In a recent study, an international research team, including members from MedUni Vienna, investigated how nanoplastic particles deposited in the body affect the effectiveness of antibiotics. The study revealed that plastic particles not only impede the effects of antibiotics but also have the potential to promote the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The results were published in the journal Scientific Reports. The team, led by Lukas Kenner, Barbara Kirchner, and Oldamur Hollóczki, linked a common antibiotic, tetracycline, with various types of plastics including polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and nylon 6,6, which are common components of packaging materials and textiles.
Through the use of complex computer models, the research team demonstrated that nanoplastic particles can bind to tetracycline, reducing the antibiotic’s effectiveness. The study highlighted nylon as a particularly strong binder, shedding light on the underestimated risk of indoor nanoplastic exposure. The high concentrations of nylon released from textiles indoors pose a significant threat, as they can enter the body through respiration. This interaction between nanoplastics and antibiotics raises concerns about the potential adverse effects on human health and the environment, as nanoplastics are considered harmful due to their small size.
The binding of tetracycline to nanoplastic particles not only diminishes the biological activity of the antibiotic but may also result in the transport of the drug to unintended sites in the body, reducing its targeted effect and potentially causing additional adverse effects. The study highlighted the risk of antibiotic resistance due to the increased local concentration of antibiotics on the surface of nanoplastic particles. Plastics like nylon 6,6 and polystyrene, which exhibit stronger binding to tetracycline, could contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, further exacerbating the global threat of antibiotic resistance. Given the growing concern surrounding antibiotic resistance, it is imperative to consider the interactions between nanoplastics and antibiotics in the context of disease treatment.
The study underscores that exposure to nanoplastics poses both direct health risks and indirect implications for disease treatment. The reduced effectiveness of antibiotics in the presence of nanoplastics raises concerns about appropriate dosage and treatment strategies. Lukas Kenner emphasized the importance of future studies to investigate the impact of nanoplastics on various medications beyond antibiotics. Understanding the complex interactions between nanoplastics and drugs is crucial in mitigating potential health risks and addressing the escalating threat of antibiotic resistance worldwide. The study’s findings highlight the urgent need to address the risks associated with nanoplastic exposure and its implications for public health and the environment.