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Bio-Based Microplastics as Vectors of Resistance Genes in Marine Environment

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Researchers at Shandong University conducted a study to investigate the characteristics of biofilm formation on petroleum-based polyethylene (PE) and bio-based polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics, as well as the structure of bacterial communities and the enrichment and transfer of related resistance genes in marine environments. The study examined the effects of varying concentrations of heavy metal zinc (Zn) and the sulfadiazine (SDZ) on biofilm formation, bacterial colonization, and resistance gene transfer. The results indicated that PE surfaces were more conducive to bacterial colonization, while prolonged exposure to SDZ and Zn promoted the growth of PLA biofilms. Bacterial communities within the biofilms responded to external stresses by adapting their oxidative stress responses, extracellular polymeric substances, and metabolic pathways, leading to the enrichment and transfer of resistance genes.

Key Takeaways:

  • Biofilm formation on petroleum-based polyethylene (PE) and bio-based polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics was investigated in the study, which found that PE surfaces were more conducive to bacterial colonization.
  • Prolonged exposure to sulfadiazine (SDZ) and zinc (Zn) promoted the growth of PLA biofilms, while Zn enhanced horizontal gene transfer (HGT) and shaped microbial community composition in the short term.
  • Bacterial communities within the biofilms adapted to external stresses by altering oxidative stress responses, extracellular polymeric substances, and metabolic pathways, leading to the enrichment and transfer of resistance genes.
  • PLA microplastics were more likely than PE to serve as carriers of resistance genes in marine environments under experimental conditions.
  • The study concluded that Zn promoted the spread of resistance genes by enhancing HGT in the short term and co-selected with SDZ, influencing the distribution and dissemination of resistance genes.

Statistics:

  • 497: The code number of the Journal of Hazardous Materials issue featuring the research study (Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2025; 497: 139698).
  • 139698: The article number of the study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials (Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2025; 497: 139698).
  • 1043 Nx: The postal code of the Elsevier address in Amsterdam, Netherlands (Elsevier, Radarweg 29, 1043 Nx Amsterdam, Netherlands).
  • 266237: The postal code of the Shandong University address in Qingdao, Shandong, People's Republic of China (Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, People's Republic of China).

Sources:

  • Journal of Hazardous Materials (Elsevier, Radarweg 29, 1043 Nx Amsterdam, Netherlands; www.elsevier.com; www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-hazardous-materials/)
  • NewsRx (Copyright 2025, NewsRx LLC; NewsRx. New Science Study Results from Shandong University Described (Bio-based microplastics as vectors of resistance genes under combined pressure of antibiotics and heavy metals in marine environment). Science Letter. September 19, 2025; p 2148.)
  • Bio-based microplastics as vectors of resistance genes under combined pressure of antibiotics and heavy metals in marine environment (Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2025; 497: 139698)
  • Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University (Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, People's Republic of China)

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