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Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes
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The plastisphere as a nexus for antimicrobial resistance: micro(nano)plastics in pathogen colonization, gene

Syed Shabi Ul Hassan Kazmi1,2, Syeda Mutyyeba Batool3, Paolo Pastorino4

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Regional and Urban Ecology, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China.

Biological Reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society
|March 24, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Microplastics and nanoplastics act as reservoirs for antibiotic resistance genes, promoting pathogen spread and global health risks. Addressing this requires integrated environmental and policy strategies for One Health resilience.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Microbiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are increasingly recognized as significant vectors for antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
  • The plastisphere, a biofilm community on plastic surfaces, serves as a critical niche for pathogen colonization, antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) proliferation, and horizontal gene transfer (HGT).
  • Environmental factors and socioeconomic disparities influence MP/NP exposure and AMR dynamics, yet understanding remains incomplete.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To synthesize current evidence on the role of MPs/NPs in AMR dissemination.
  • To highlight MPs/NPs as triple threats: microbial habitats, ARG reservoirs, and HGT conduits.
  • To identify research gaps and propose actionable One Health strategies to mitigate AMR risks associated with the plastisphere.

Main Methods:

  • This review synthesizes existing scientific literature on microplastics, nanoplastics, and antimicrobial resistance.
  • It analyzes the mechanisms of ARG adsorption, pathogen transport, and biofilm formation on plastic particles.
  • Evidence on environmental stressors, socioeconomic factors, and synergistic effects with antibiotics is integrated.

Main Results:

  • MPs/NPs act as reservoirs for ARGs and facilitate HGT via biofilm mechanisms, fostering pathogen-ARG coevolution.
  • Plastisphere biofilms interact synergistically with antibiotics, amplifying selective pressures and resistance dissemination.
  • Significant gaps exist in understanding real-world interactions and linking MP/NP exposure to clinical AMR outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • MPs/NPs represent a significant and complex threat to global health by driving AMR.
  • Addressing the plastisphere-driven AMR nexus requires integrated approaches, including AI-enhanced surveillance and circular economy principles.
  • Developing pathogen-resistant biodegradable polymers and implementing robust environmental and health policies are crucial for resilience.
Keywords:
antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB)antimicrobial resistance (AMR)horizontal gene transfer (HGT)microbial communitiesmicroplastics and nanoplasticsplastisphere

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