Bacteria-nanoplastic interactions: mechanisms, ecological consequences, and advances in biodegradation technologies

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Microbiology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Nanoplastics (<1 μm) are emerging environmental contaminants with unique properties.
• Their high surface area and functionalization drive interactions with bacteria.
• These interactions profoundly influence microbial ecosystems and the plastisphere microbiome.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review nanoplastic-bacteria interactions.
• To analyze bacterial biodegradation pathways of nanoplastics.
• To evaluate environmental and human health implications.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review.
• Analysis of nanoplastic-induced mechanisms (oxidative stress, membrane perturbation, DNA damage, etc.).
• Examination of biodegradation pathways and analytical tools (meta-omics, AI modeling).

Main Results:

• Nanoplastics reshape microbial structure and function via multiple interaction mechanisms.
• The plastisphere microbiome acts as a hub for pollutants and resistance genes.
• Bacterial biodegradation involves enzymatic, oxidative, and consortium-based processes.

Conclusions:

• Nanoplastic-bacteria interactions pose significant environmental and health risks.
• Advanced tools are crucial for understanding these complex dynamics.
• Biotechnological strategies and further research are needed for nanoplastic bioremediation.