Nanoplastics and Antibiotic Resistance
Nanoplastics from single-use plastic bottles pose a public health risk by facilitating the transfer of antibiotic resistance (AR) genes among bacteria, as revealed by the Institute of Nano Science and Technology. The study highlights how nanoplastics interact with Lactobacillus acidophilus, a beneficial gut bacterium, enabling AR genes to spread through physical transfer or stress-induced outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). This increases the likelihood of resistance spreading to harmful bacteria, threatening gut health and treatment efficacy. The findings stress the need for stricter plastic waste regulations, improved management, and public education to mitigate risks.
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