We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Assimilation of phthalate esters in bacteria
AI summary Read the abstract
This review explores how bacteria take in phthalate esters, common plastic additives that have become widespread environmental pollutants. Researchers found that while phthalates can passively cross bacterial cell walls, most uptake appears to rely on specialized membrane transport proteins, and understanding these pathways could improve strategies for using bacteria to clean up phthalate contamination.
The massive usage of phthalate esters (PAEs) has caused serious pollution. Bacterial degradation is a potential strategy to remove PAE contamination. So far, an increasing number of PAE-degrading strains have been isolated, and the catabolism of PAEs has been extensively studied and reviewed. However, the investigation into the bacterial PAE uptake process has received limited attention and remains preliminary. PAEs can interact spontaneously with compounds like peptidoglycan, lipopolysaccharides, and lipids on the bacterial cell envelope to migrate inside. However, this process compromises the structural integrity of the cells and causes disruptions. Thus, membrane protein-facilitated transport seems to be the main assimilation strategy in bacteria. So far, only an ATP-binding-cassette transporter PatDABC was proven to transport PAEs across the cytomembrane in a Gram-positive bacterium Rhodococcus jostii RHA1. Other cytomembrane proteins like major facilitator superfamily (MFS) proteins and outer membrane proteins in cell walls like FadL family channels, TonB-dependent transporters, and OmpW family proteins were only reported to facilitate the transport of PAEs analogs such as monoaromatic and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. The functions of these proteins in the intracellular transport of PAEs in bacteria await characterization and it is a promising avenue for future research on enhancing bacterial degradation of PAEs. KEY POINTS: • Membrane proteins on the bacterial cell envelope may be PAE transporters. • Most potential transporters need experimental validation.
More Papers Like This
The ecological security risks of phthalates: A focus on antibiotic resistance gene dissemination in aquatic environments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated whether phthalates, common plastic additives found in waterways, can promote the spread of antibiotic resistance genes between bacteria. They found that at low concentrations, dibutyl phthalate significantly increased the transfer of resistance genes by boosting bacterial membrane permeability and energy production. The study reveals a previously overlooked way that plastic-related chemicals could contribute to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance in aquatic environments.
Interactions between microplastics and phthalate esters as affected by microplastics characteristics and solution chemistry
AI summary Read the abstract
The sorption of two phthalate esters onto polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene microplastics was studied under varying conditions, finding that sorption was influenced by polymer type, phthalate structure, temperature, salinity, and dissolved organic matter. The results provide mechanistic insight into how microplastics accumulate endocrine-disrupting phthalates from the environment.
Microplastics release phthalate esters and cause aggravated adverse effects in the mouse gut
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated whether microplastics can transport and release phthalate esters (PAEs) into the mouse gut, finding that microplastics adsorbed PAEs and carried them into the intestine where they accumulated. The study suggests that microplastics acting as carriers for chemical contaminants may aggravate adverse health effects in the gut beyond what either pollutant causes alone.
Environmental microplastic and phthalate esters co-contamination, interrelationships, co-toxicity and mechanisms. A review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines the widespread co-occurrence of microplastics and phthalate esters, common plastic softening chemicals, across water, soil, and living organisms. Researchers found that factors like temperature, UV exposure, and plastic type influence how much phthalate leaches from or adsorbs onto microplastics. Evidence indicates that the combination of these two pollutants produces synergistic toxic effects, including reproductive, neurological, and liver damage.
Landfill leachates as a significant source for emerging pollutants of phthalic acid esters: Identification, occurrence, characteristics, fate, and transport
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines landfill leachates as a major source of phthalic acid esters, which are chemical additives released from microplastics, cosmetics, and other consumer products. Researchers found that these compounds are widespread in landfill leachates across different countries and can contaminate surrounding water and soil. The study suggests that phthalic acid esters in leachates represent a significant but often overlooked pathway for environmental pollution.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.