We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Adaptive resistance and defense evolution in microplastics-mediated biological exposure interfaces in municipal wastewater treatment systems
Summary
Researchers studied how microplastic surfaces in municipal wastewater treatment systems promote the development of antimicrobial resistance. The study found that PET, polyethylene, and polypropylene microplastics trigger quorum sensing-driven resistance evolution in microbial biofilms, enhancing the expression of genes related to extracellular polymeric substances and potentially contributing to the spread of antibiotic resistance.
To test the hypothesis that microplastic (MP)-mediated BXI triggers quorum sensing (QS)-driven resistance evolution, we established a multilevel mechanism: interface biological exposure → structural/functional changes → functional gene enhancement → QS activation → resistance/defense evolution. The results confirm that three MP (PET, PE, and PP)-mediated biological exposures induce the overexpression of genes encoding extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), stabilize microbial aggregates (proteins/enzymes), and promote BXI formation while reducing catalase/superoxide dismutase inhibition. MP exposure correlated with altered microbial communities, enriched stress resistance genera (Acinetobacter, Nitrospira, and Hyphomicrobium), and resulted in the formation of robust co-occurrence networks (73.53-90.67 % positive correlations). Enhanced QS signaling (AI-2, DSF, and c-di-GMP) upregulated autoinducer/transporter genes, accelerating EPS synthesis and energy metabolism. MP-mediated BXI strengthens microbial resilience and nitrogen/sulfur cycle equilibrium via organic carbon degradation, nitrification-denitrification enhancement, and sulfite/thiosulfate oxidation, whereas protein-enzyme synergy improves pollutant resilience. Through signal compensation and pathway adaptation, microbial communities stabilize BXI under MP stress. These findings provide novel insights into the in situ control of MP-driven pollutant migration in MWTS.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
From Interface to Cell: The Complex Interaction and Transfer Process Coupling Mechanism between Microplastics and Antibiotic Resistance Genes
Researchers examined how microplastic surfaces act as vectors for spreading antibiotic resistance genes in wastewater treatment systems. The study found that aged microplastics of PET, PE, and PP promoted bacterial adhesion, enhanced horizontal gene transfer, and triggered overproduction of reactive oxygen species, ultimately amplifying the spread of antimicrobial resistance through multiple molecular mechanisms.
Growth and prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in microplastic biofilm from wastewater treatment plant effluents
Researchers studied antibiotic-resistant bacteria growing in biofilms on microplastic surfaces in wastewater treatment plant effluent. The study found that microplastic biofilms accumulated antibiotic-resistant bacteria including Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, and Bacillus, and that these biofilms harbored higher concentrations of resistance genes compared to surrounding water, suggesting microplastics may serve as reservoirs for antibiotic resistance.
Enhanced propagation of intracellular and extracellular antibiotic resistance genes in municipal wastewater by microplastics
Researchers investigated how microplastics in municipal wastewater can carry and promote the spread of antibiotic resistance genes, including those found both inside and outside bacterial cells. They found that microplastics adsorbed both types of resistance genes and enhanced their transfer between bacteria through horizontal gene transfer. The study reveals that microplastics in wastewater systems may act as an underappreciated accelerator of antibiotic resistance spread.
Do microplastic biofilms promote the evolution and co-selection of antibiotic and metal resistance genes and their associations with bacterial communities under antibiotic and metal pressures?
Researchers investigated whether microplastic biofilms promote the evolution and co-selection of antibiotic and metal resistance genes compared to natural substrates, examining how combined antibiotic and metal pressures shape resistant bacterial communities on plastic surfaces.
New insight into the effect of microplastics on antibiotic resistance and bacterial community of biofilm
Researchers found that different types of microplastics promote distinct biofilm communities and enhance antibiotic resistance gene proliferation compared to natural substrates, suggesting microplastics serve as unique platforms for the spread of antimicrobial resistance.