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Interfacial Interactions between Escherichia coli and Polystyrene Nanoplastics: a Physicochemical Perspective
Monika Naumowicz1, Joanna Kotyńska1, Marcin Zając2
1Laboratory of Bioelectrochemistry, Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Bialystok, 1K K. Ciolkowski Str., 15-245 Bialystok, Poland.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B
|February 11, 2026
Summary
Polystyrene nanoplastics interact with Escherichia coli, causing surface changes and growth inhibition without direct cell death. Understanding these environmental contaminant interactions is crucial for assessing ecological risks.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Nanoplastics are emerging environmental contaminants.
- Mechanisms of nanoplastic-bacterial interactions are poorly understood.
- Escherichia coli is a model Gram-negative bacterium.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate physicochemical interactions between E. coli and polystyrene nanoparticles (PS, PS-NH2; 100, 200 nm).
- Assess nanoparticle effects on bacterial electrokinetic behavior, surface properties, and growth.
Main Methods:
- Electrophoretic Light Scattering (ELS) for zeta potential.
- Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for surface analysis.
- Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for surface morphology and adhesion.
- Microbiological growth assays.
Main Results:
- Zeta potential shifts indicated nanoparticle attachment and surface interactions.
- FTIR and AFM confirmed nanoparticle adhesion and localized envelope perturbations.
- Growth inhibition observed at >=50 μg/mL PS, but no bactericidal effects confirmed.
- Sublethal effects were observed without reaching cytotoxic thresholds.
Conclusions:
- Polystyrene nanoparticles induce measurable physicochemical and sublethal biological effects on E. coli.
- Nanoparticle adhesion and surface perturbations are key interaction mechanisms.
- Cautious interpretation is needed when linking surface changes to biological outcomes.
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