An international team of researchers has explored how nanoplastic particles in the body impact the effectiveness of antibiotics. Their findings indicate that these plastic particles not only reduce the drugs’ effectiveness but may also encourage the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The study was recently published in the journal Scientific Reports.
A recent study conducted by an international research team, with significant contributions from MedUni Vienna, examined the impact of nanoplastic particles within the body on the effectiveness of antibiotics. The results revealed that these plastic particles not only hinder the performance of antibiotics but might also foster the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This research was recently detailed in the publication Scientific Reports.
To determine the interaction between nanoplastic particles and antibiotics, the research team, led by Lukas Kenner (MedUni Vienna), Barbara Kirchner (University of Bonn), and Oldamur Hollóczki (University of Debrecen), linked a common antibiotic drug with various well-known plastics. They specifically focused on the broad-spectrum antibiotic tetracycline, which is often used to treat infections in areas like the respiratory system, skin, and intestines. The selected plastics included polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS)—all common in packaging—as well as nylon 6,6 (N66), which is found in numerous textiles, including clothing, carpets, furniture coverings, and curtains. Nanoplastics are extremely tiny, measuring less than 0.001 millimeters, and are considered highly harmful to humans and the environment due to this size.
Through sophisticated computer modeling, the researchers demonstrated that the nanoplastic particles could bind to tetracycline, thereby reducing the antibiotic’s effectiveness. “The binding was particularly strong with nylon,” highlights Lukas Kenner, who points out a significant but often overlooked indoor health hazard: “The micro- and nanoplastic levels indoors are about five times higher than those found outdoors. Nylon contributes to this issue as it is released from fabrics and can be inhaled into the body.”
Threat of Antibiotic Resistance
The study’s findings suggest that the binding of tetracycline to nanoplastic particles may diminish the antibiotic’s biological activity. Additionally, this binding may result in the antibiotic being redirected to unintended locations within the body, causing it to lose its intended effect and potentially leading to other unwanted outcomes. “It is particularly concerning that the local concentration of antibiotics on the surfaces of nanoplastic particles may increase,” shares Lukas Kenner, highlighting another alarming aspect of the study. This heightened concentration raises the risk of developing antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Plastics like nylon 6,6 and polystyrene, which have a stronger affinity for tetracycline, might therefore escalate the resistance threat. “In a world where antibiotic resistance is becoming an increasingly pressing issue, such interactions are important to consider,” states Kenner.
The study underscores that exposure to nanoplastics not only presents an immediate health threat but may also indirectly affect disease treatment. “If nanoplastics lead to decreased antibiotic effectiveness, determining the correct dosage becomes a significant challenge,” warns Lukas Kenner, suggesting the need for future studies to explore how nanoplastics affect other medications.
