Small plastic particles deposited in the body can affect the effectiveness of antibiotics. Furthermore, these nanoparticles can promote the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, reports an international team of researchers in the journal ‘Scientific Reports’.
The research shows that nanoplastics not only pose a direct health risk, but can also indirectly influence the treatment of diseases, the researchers said. In the study, a team led by Lukas Kenner from the Clinical Institute of Pathology of MedUni Vienna, Barbara Kirchner from the University of Bonn and Oldamur Hollóczki from the University of Debrecen compared the common broad-spectrum antibiotic tetracycline with commonly used types of plastic such as polyethylene (PE). , polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) and nylon 6.6 (N66) are associated.
These types of plastic are found in many packaging materials or in clothing and household textiles such as carpets, furniture covers or curtains. Plastic particles smaller than 0.001 millimeters were examined. Due to their small size, these nanoparticles are considered particularly dangerous to humans and the environment.
Underestimate danger indoors
Using computer models, the scientists were able to demonstrate that the plastic particles can bind tetracycline and thus affect its effectiveness. “The bond was particularly strong with nylon,” Kenner explains.
In this context, the doctor points out the largely underestimated danger indoors, where “micro and nanoplastic pollution is about five times higher than outdoors”. Nylon, which is released from textiles and enters the body through breathing, is one of the reasons for this.
Biological activity decreases
According to the researchers, the binding of tetracycline to the plastic particles may not only reduce the biological activity of the antibiotic. It can also lead to the active substance being transported to places in the body that are not intended for it, causing the intended effect to be lost or unwanted effects to arise.
Kenner calls the finding that the local concentration of antibiotics on the surface of the nanoplastic particles can increase ‘worrisome’. This could lead to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. “At a time when antibiotic resistance is becoming an increasing threat worldwide, such interactions must be taken into account,” he said.
The scientists want to investigate the influence of nanoplastics on other medicines in future studies.
Source: Krone
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