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Bioplastics

Bioplastics

Bioplastics derived from microbial processes present a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics. Among these, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), particularly polyhydroxybutyrates (PHBs), have emerged as prominent candidates due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility. These polymers are synthesized by a variety of bacteria, such as Cupriavidus necator and Pseudomonas putida, which naturally accumulate PHAs as intracellular carbon and energy reserves, especially under...

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Preparation of Tunable Extracellular Matrix Microenvironments to Evaluate Schwann Cell Phenotype Specification

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Nanoplastics in Duckweed: Single-Cell Responses and Recovery.

Wenke Yuan^1,2,3, Elvis Genbo Xu⁴, Dong Zhu⁵

¹Hubei Key Laboratory of Wetland Evolution & Ecological Restoration, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China.

|December 16, 2025

Summary

Duckweed exposed to nanoplastics showed reduced growth and partial recovery, with cell-specific molecular responses identified. This study reveals how aquatic plants cope with nanoplastic contamination at a cellular level.

Keywords:

aquatic plants molecular response nanotracer analysis plastic contamination single-nucleus RNA sequencing transcriptomics

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Multimodal Analysis of Microplastics in Drinking Water using a Silicon Nanomembrane Analysis Pipeline

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Published on: June 13, 2025

Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Ecotoxicology
Molecular Biology

Background:

Micro- and nanoplastics are pervasive aquatic contaminants.
Nanoplastics pose risks to aquatic organisms and ecosystems.
Cell-specific responses of plants to nanoplastics are poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

Investigate duckweed's response and recovery to nanoplastics.
Elucidate cell-specific molecular mechanisms.
Understand nanoplastic interactions with aquatic plants.

Main Methods:

Single-nucleus RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq).
Enzymatic assays.
Europium-doped nanoplastic tracing.

Main Results:

Nanoplastics reduced duckweed reproduction and root length via oxidative damage.
scRNA-seq identified cell-type-specific responses in mesophyll, mestome sheath, epidermis, and parenchyma.
Recovery phase showed increased gene expression in carbon metabolism, membrane transport, and stress pathways.
Nanotracer studies confirmed root/frond absorption and partial excretion.

Conclusions:

Duckweed exhibits cell-specific molecular strategies to cope with nanoplastic stress.
Partial recovery involves significant molecular pathway adjustments.
This research provides mechanistic insights into plant-nanoplastic interactions.