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Published on: January 16, 2019
Effects of polystyrene microplastics on the metabolic level of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Hui Tao1, Lingqin Zhou1, Duo Yu1
1Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China.
Abstract:
Given the widespread presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in water and its threat to human health, the metabolic changes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa when exposed to polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) exposure were studied, focusing on molecular level. Through non-targeted metabolomics, a total of 64 differential metabolites were screened out under positive ion mode and 44 under negative ion mode. The content of bacterial metabolites changed significantly, primarily involving lipids, nucleotides, amino acids, and organic acids. Heightened intracellular oxidative damage led to a decrease in lipid molecules and nucleotide-related metabolites. The down-regulation of amino acid metabolites, such as L-Glutamic and L-Proline, highlighted disruptions in cellular energy metabolism and the impaired ability to synthesize proteins as a defense against oxidation. The impact of PS-MPs on organic acid metabolism was evident in the inhibition of pyruvate and citrate, thereby disrupting the cells' normal participation in energy cycles. The integration of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed that PS-MPs mainly caused changes in metabolic pathways, including ABC transporters, Aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, Purine metabolism, Glycerophospholipid metabolism and TCA cycle in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Most of the differential metabolites enriched in these pathways were down-regulated, demonstrating that PS-MPs hindered the expression of metabolic pathways, ultimately impairing the ability of cells to synthesize proteins, DNA, and RNA. This disruption affected cell proliferation and information transduction, thus hampering energy circulation and inhibiting cell growth. Findings of this study supplemented the toxic effects of microplastics and the defense mechanisms of microorganisms, in turn safeguarding drinking water safety and human health.
Insights
Polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) disrupt Pseudomonas aeruginosa metabolism, decreasing essential molecules like lipids and amino acids. This impacts bacterial growth and defense, highlighting microplastic risks to water safety.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Toxicology
- Metabolomics
Background:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common water contaminant posing health risks.
- Microplastics, specifically polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs), are pervasive environmental pollutants.
- Understanding microbial metabolic responses to PS-MPs is crucial for assessing ecological and health impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the metabolic alterations in Pseudomonas aeruginosa upon exposure to polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs).
- To elucidate the molecular-level mechanisms underlying the effects of PS-MPs on bacterial metabolism.
- To assess the implications of these metabolic changes for bacterial function and survival.
Main Methods:
- Non-targeted metabolomics was employed to identify differential metabolites in Pseudomonas aeruginosa exposed to PS-MPs.
- Metabolite profiles were analyzed under both positive and negative ion modes.
- Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis was integrated to understand affected metabolic pathways.
Main Results:
- Significant changes in bacterial metabolites were observed, primarily affecting lipids, nucleotides, amino acids, and organic acids.
- PS-MP exposure led to increased oxidative damage, decreasing lipid and nucleotide metabolites.
- Down-regulation of amino acids (e.g., L-Glutamic, L-Proline) and inhibition of organic acids (pyruvate, citrate) disrupted energy metabolism and protein synthesis.
- KEGG analysis revealed PS-MPs impacted pathways including ABC transporters, Aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, Purine metabolism, Glycerophospholipid metabolism, and the TCA cycle.
Conclusions:
- Polystyrene microplastics significantly hinder metabolic pathways in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, impairing protein, DNA, and RNA synthesis.
- These disruptions affect bacterial proliferation, information transduction, energy circulation, and overall cell growth.
- The study contributes to understanding microplastic toxicity and microbial defense mechanisms, relevant to drinking water safety and human health.
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