INST Mohali study finds nanoplastics from plastic bottles can spread antibiotic resistance
Scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali found that nanoplastics from used plastic bottles can help transfer antibiotic resistance genes between bacteria, DST said on 19 December 2024.
Summary
Scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, an autonomous institution of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), found that nanoplastics derived from single-use plastic bottles contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance, DST said on 19 December 2024. The team led by Dr Manish Singh made polyethylene terephthalate bottle-derived nanoplastics (PBNPs) from used water bottles. The study showed that PBNPs can facilitate cross-species gene transfer from E. coli to Lactobacillus acidophilus, a significant bacterium of the human gut microbiota, raising a public health concern.
Key facts
- Institution
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali (DST)
- Lead scientist
- Dr Manish Singh
- Material
- PET bottle-derived nanoplastics (PBNPs) from used water bottles
- Finding
- Cross-species transfer of antibiotic resistance genes from E. coli to Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Shared on
- 19 December 2024 (PIB, Ministry of Science & Technology)
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Scientists from which institute found that PET bottle-derived nanoplastics can spread antibiotic resistance, as reported by DST in December 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali
PIB (Science & Technology): scientists from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, an autonomous institution of DST, carried out the study.
In the INST Mohali study, PET bottle-derived nanoplastics facilitated gene transfer from E. coli to which gut bacterium?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Lactobacillus acidophilus
PIB (Science & Technology): the scientists demonstrated that PBNPs can facilitate cross-species gene transfer from E. coli to Lactobacillus acidophilus, a significant bacterium in the human gut microbiota.