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Polymer type and aging drive the selective enrichment of antibiotic resistance genes and pathogens in microplastics biofilms
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Researchers compared how microorganisms colonize conventional polypropylene versus biodegradable polylactic acid microplastics in a wetland environment. They found that while biodegradable PLA attracted fewer total microbes, it actually enriched a higher proportion of antibiotic-resistant pathogens and resistance genes, especially after environmental aging. The findings raise important questions about whether biodegradable plastics may pose unexpected risks as carriers of antibiotic resistance in aquatic ecosystems.
Microplastics (MPs) biofilms are critical vectors for antibiotic resistance in aquatic environments. In this study, in situ incubation coupled with metagenomic sequencing was employed to investigate microbial colonization patterns, antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) profiles, and mobile genetic element (MGE) dissemination characteristics of biofilms on MPs surfaces of different polymer types and aging states within a unique wetland ecosystem. Results demonstrated that microorganisms preferentially colonized the hydrophobic surface of conventional polypropylene (PP) over biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA). Aging treatments further enhanced MP-microbe interactions. Microbial community analysis revealed selective enrichment of microbial communities in MPs biofilms, including clinically relevant pathogens such as Acinetobacter baumannii. Notably, despite showing lower microbial colonization, PLA enriched a higher abundance of priority antibiotic-resistant pathogens and high-risk ARGs, which further amplified following environmental aging. Co-occurrence network analysis identified seven key MGEs strongly correlated with multiple ARGs and exhibited the highest abundance on PLA-derived biofilms, indicating a high potential for horizontal gene transfer mediating the propagation of antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, Enterobacteriaceae were identified as critical co-hosts of ARGs and MGEs within the plastisphere, potentially playing a central role in maintaining antibiotic resistance. Our findings highlight a significant ecological threat from biodegradable and aged MPs in amplifying antibiotic resistance.
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This study found that biodegradable microplastics like polylactic acid (PLA) -- often marketed as eco-friendly -- actually attracted more dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria than conventional plastics in freshwater. The biodegradable plastics selectively enriched high-priority pathogens carrying multiple resistance genes, meaning they could help spread antibiotic resistance through water systems that ultimately affect human health.
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Researchers conducted an in-situ experiment in an urban lake comparing how biodegradable and conventional plastics accumulate antibiotic resistance genes on their surfaces. They found that biodegradable polymers like PBS and PLA harbored significantly more resistance genes than conventional polystyrene, and that bacterial communities on all plastics differed markedly from those in the surrounding water. The study suggests that biodegradable microplastics may actually pose higher health risks by serving as hotspots for antibiotic resistance in polluted freshwater environments.
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Researchers compared biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance gene accumulation on conventional polyethylene versus bio-based polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics in marine environments exposed to antibiotics and heavy metals. They found that while polyethylene was more conducive to initial bacterial colonization, PLA microplastics were more likely to serve as carriers of resistance genes under experimental conditions. The study suggests that bio-based plastics may contribute to the spread of antimicrobial resistance in marine environments.
Selection of antibiotic resistance genes on biodegradable and non-biodegradable microplastics
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This study examined antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) occurrence in biofilms forming on biodegradable and non-biodegradable microplastics in marine ecosystems. It found that microplastic surfaces selected for ARG-enriched microbial communities, with polymer type influencing which resistance genes were enriched, raising concerns about microplastics facilitating ARG spread.
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Tiny plastic particles in wastewater treatment plants act like magnets for bacteria, and this study found that the type of plastic and how much it's been broken down by sunlight both affect how much antibiotic-resistant bacteria build up on its surface. Plastics that break down more easily (like biodegradable PLA) and plastics that had been "aged" by UV light collected especially high levels of antibiotic resistance genes, meaning these microplastics could help spread drug-resistant germs back into our water and environment. This matters because it suggests not all plastics pose the same risk, and even "eco-friendly" biodegradable plast
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