0
0
Mohali, India — Scientists from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), an autonomous institution under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have uncovered a troubling link between single-use plastic bottles (SUPBs) and the spread of antibiotic resistance. Their groundbreaking study, published in the journal Nanoscale, reveals that nanoplastics derived from these bottles could pose a significant public health risk by promoting the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes among bacteria.
The research highlights how nanoplastics, which coexist with microorganisms in diverse environments—including the human gut—may facilitate genetic changes in bacteria that compromise gut health. The team focused on Lactobacillus acidophilus, a beneficial gut bacterium integral to digestion and immune function.
Key Findings
Led by Dr. Manish Singh, the INST researchers synthesized environmentally relevant nanoplastic particles from discarded polyethylene terephthalate bottles. These plastic bottle-derived nanoplastics (PBNPs) closely resemble pollutants generated from improperly disposed SUPBs.
The study demonstrated that PBNPs enable cross-species gene transfer between bacteria through a process known as horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Specifically, the nanoplastics were found to facilitate the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes from E. coli to Lactobacillus acidophilus.
Two mechanisms were identified as driving this phenomenon:
- Direct Transformation Pathway: PBNPs act as physical carriers, transporting antibiotic resistance genes across bacterial membranes.
- OMV-Induced Transfer Pathway: PBNPs induce oxidative stress on bacterial surfaces, leading to increased secretion of outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) loaded with antibiotic resistance genes. These OMVs serve as vectors for gene transfer across bacterial species, even between unrelated strains.
Implications for Public Health
The findings suggest that nanoplastics might inadvertently turn beneficial gut bacteria into reservoirs for antibiotic resistance genes, with potentially dire consequences. These bacteria could transfer resistance genes to pathogens during infections, exacerbating the global antibiotic resistance crisis.
“This study underscores an unrecognized dimension of nanoplastics’ impact on microbial ecosystems,” said Dr. Singh. “The implications for gut microbiome health and the spread of antibiotic resistance are profound.”
Protecting the Gut Microbiome
Gut bacteria like Lactobacillus acidophilus play a critical role in maintaining overall health, supporting digestion, and preventing disease. Preserving their integrity is essential for immune resilience.
The study highlights the urgent need to address nanoplastic contamination to prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance genes. By limiting exposure to nanoplastics, particularly those derived from SUPBs, scientists believe it may be possible to reduce the risk of harmful gene transfers and protect the delicate balance of gut microbiota.
A Call to Action
As the dual threats of plastic pollution and antibiotic resistance converge, this research serves as a wake-up call for policymakers and public health officials. Reducing reliance on single-use plastics, improving waste management practices, and prioritizing further research into nanoplastics’ health effects are crucial steps to mitigate these risks.
The study opens new avenues for understanding how seemingly unrelated environmental pollutants can have profound, cascading effects on human health, urging immediate attention to this emerging public health challenge.
