Nanoplastics-mediated physiologic and genomic responses in pathogenic Escherichia coli O157:H7.

ABSTRACT: The widespread occurrence of microplastics (MP) and nanoplastics (NP) in the environment is commonly thought to negatively impact living organisms; however, there remains a considerable lack of understanding regarding the actual risks associated with exposure. Microorganisms, including pathogenic bacteria, frequently interact with MPs/NPs in various ecosystems, triggering physiological responses that warrant a deeper understanding. The present study experimentally demonstrated the impact of surface-functionalized differentially charged polystyrene (PS) NPs on the physiology of human pathogenic Escherichia coli O157:H7 and their influence on biofilm formation. Our results suggest that charged NPs can influence the growth, viability, virulence, physiological stress response, and biofilm life

SUBMITTER: Nath J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12013119 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature