We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Surface charge governs polystyrene nanoplastics' influence on conjugative transfer of antibiotic resistance genes
Summary
This study found that the surface charge of polystyrene nanoplastics governs their influence on the conjugative transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) between bacteria. Negatively charged nanoplastics promoted ARG transfer more than positively charged particles, providing mechanistic insights for mitigating antibiotic resistance spread in contaminated environments.
Our findings elucidate how surface characteristics drive ARG dissemination risks and provide mechanistic insights, informing strategies to mitigate antibiotic resistance in contaminated environments.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Charged nanoplastics differentially affect the conjugative transfer of antibiotic resistance genes
Researchers found that nanoplastics influence the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes between bacteria, with surface charge and concentration driving opposing effects — reactive oxygen species promoted transfer while nanoplastic agglomeration inhibited it.
Size-dependent enhancement on conjugative transfer of antibiotic resistance genes by micro/nanoplastics
Polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics were found to enhance the conjugative transfer of antibiotic resistance genes between bacteria, with smaller nano-sized particles producing stronger effects than larger microplastics. The findings raise concern that plastic pollution may be actively accelerating the spread of antibiotic resistance in aquatic environments.
Surface-modified nanoplastics facilitate the dissemination and persistence of antibiotic resistance genes
Researchers investigated how differently surface-modified nanoplastics (amine-, carboxyl-, and unmodified polystyrene) affect antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) transformation in bacterial cells. Surface-modified nanoplastics, particularly amine-functionalized particles, significantly enhanced ARG transformation efficiency, suggesting that nanoplastic surface chemistry is a key driver of antibiotic resistance spread.
Roles of micro/nanoplastics in the spread of antimicrobial resistance through conjugative gene transfer
Researchers examined how polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics of varying sizes and concentrations affect the transfer of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes between gram-negative (E. coli) and gram-positive (Enterococcus faecalis) bacteria via conjugative gene transfer. The study found that micro- and nanoplastics enhanced AMR gene transfer rates in a size- and concentration-dependent manner, implicating plastic pollution as a vector for AMR dissemination.
Nanoplastics promote the dissemination of antibiotic resistance through conjugative gene transfer: implications from oxidative stress and gene expression
Sulfate-modified polystyrene nanoplastics were found to facilitate the conjugative transfer of antibiotic resistance genes between E. coli strains more effectively than larger particles, operating through SOS response induction, increased membrane permeability, and altered gene expression. The findings highlight nanoplastics as potential accelerators of antibiotic resistance spread in the environment.