Microplastic biofilm as hotspots of antibiotic resistance genes and potential pathogens
Xu Zhang, Zheng Dong, S Y Zhang, Juan Ma, Sijin Liu
Abstract
Microplastic biofilms, known as the "plastisphere", harbor diverse microbial communities and serve as reservoirs for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). This review discussed the mechanisms driving bacterial community alteration on microplastics and delineated the pathways through which ARGs transfer within microplastic biofilms. We expected to provide a comprehensive understanding of the ecological and human health impacts associated with microplastic biofilms and ARGs, thereby informing strategies to mitigate plastic pollution and its risks.
Topics & Concepts
MicroplasticsBiofilmAntibiotic resistanceBiologyPlastic pollutionHuman healthResistance (ecology)MicrobiologyMicrobial population biologyHorizontal gene transferBacteriaEcologyGene transferHuman pathogenResistomeAntibioticsMicrobial geneticsPollutionBiotechnologyGeneMicroorganismMicroplastics and Plastic PollutionPharmaceutical and Antibiotic Environmental ImpactsAntimicrobial agents and applications