A study by the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, highlights nanoplastics as an unrecognized contributor to antibiotic resistance (AR), a growing public health concern. Nanoplastics, derived from single-use plastic bottles like polyethylene terephthalate (PET), facilitate AR gene transfer among bacteria, posing a dual threat of plastic pollution and AR.
INST scientists focused on how nanoplastics impact Lactobacillus acidophilus, a key gut microbiota component. They found that nanoplastics promote cross-species AR gene transfer from E. coli to L. acidophilus through horizontal gene transfer (HGT). This occurs via two mechanisms:
- Direct Transformation Pathway: Nanoplastics act as physical carriers, transporting AR plasmids across bacterial membranes.
- OMV-Induced Pathway: Nanoplastics induce oxidative stress, triggering increased secretion of outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) loaded with AR genes, which transfer genes even between unrelated bacteria.
As reported by thehindubusinessline, this suggests nanoplastics can transform beneficial bacteria into reservoirs of AR genes, potentially transferring them to pathogens, jeopardizing gut health, immunity, and disease prevention.
Published in Nanoscale, the findings underscore the need for policies to limit nanoplastic pollution and safeguard gut microbiota. Responsible plastic usage, waste management, and awareness are vital to minimize AR risks and protect microbiome integrity, crucial for achieving UN sustainable development goals by 2030.