Study OAS · 01 January 2025

Nanoplastics and Antimicrobial Resistance

Let's discuss the emerging threat of nanoplastics in exacerbating antimicrobial resistance (AR).
A study by the Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali highlights how discarded PET bottles contribute to this global menace.

Key Findings

India is among the worst-hit countries by AR.
Growing resistance to existing antibiotics poses a serious threat to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by 2030.

Nanoplastics, derived from single-use plastic bottles, contribute to the spread of AR.
They coexist with microorganisms in diverse environments, including the human gut.

Lactobacillus acidophilus, a beneficial gut bacterium, can become a carrier of AR genes due to nanoplastics.
Nanoplastics facilitate cross-species gene transfer from E. coli to Lactobacillus acidophilus through horizontal gene transfer (HGT).

Nanoplastics act as physical carriers, transporting AR plasmids across bacterial membranes.
Promotes direct gene transfer between bacteria.

Nanoplastics induce oxidative stress and damage to bacterial surfaces.
Activates stress response genes, increasing outer membrane vesicle (OMV) secretion.
OMVs loaded with AR genes become potent vectors for gene transfer across bacterial species.

Nanoplastics introduce AR genes to beneficial gut bacteria, potentially transferring them to pathogenic bacteria.
Protecting beneficial gut bacteria is crucial for immune support, digestion, and disease prevention.

Need for strict safety guidelines, awareness programs, and policies prioritizing responsible plastic usage and waste management.
Limiting nanoplastic contamination can help preserve gut microbiota integrity and minimize AR gene transfer.

Autonomous Research Institute: Located in Mohali, Punjab, INST is an autonomous research institution under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.
Focus on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology: INST is dedicated to research and development in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology. This includes exploring the properties of materials at the nanoscale and developing new applications for these materials.
Key Research Areas:

Some of the key research areas at INST include:
- Nanomaterials for energy applications (e.g., solar cells, batteries)
- Nanomedicine (e.g., drug delivery, diagnostics)
- Environmental nanotechnology (e.g., water purification, pollution control)
- Nanoelectronics and sensors
  Contribution to Science and Technology:
  
  INST contributes to advancements in various fields by conducting cutting-edge research in nanoscience and nanotechnology and training researchers in this important area.

An organization under the Ministry of Jal Shakti responsible for groundwater management and development in India.
Apex National Agency: The CGWB is the national apex agency under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India. It is entrusted with providing scientific inputs for the management, exploration, monitoring, assessment, augmentation, and regulation of groundwater resources.
Established in 1970: The CGWB was established in 1970 by renaming the Exploratory Tube wells Organization under the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. It was later merged with the Ground Water Wing of the Geological Survey of India in 1972.
Key Functions:
Conducting macro/micro-level groundwater management studies.
Implementing exploratory drilling programs.
Monitoring groundwater levels and quality through a network of observation wells.
Implementing demonstrative schemes for artificial recharge and rainwater harvesting.
Periodically assessing replenishable groundwater resources in collaboration with State Government agencies.
Importance:
Provides crucial data and insights for government policy formulation on water resources.
Aids in water resource management, drought planning, and mitigating climate change impacts on groundwater availability.
Promotes sustainable use of groundwater for agriculture, industries, and domestic purposes.