Nanoplastics Can Make E. Coli Infections Worse: Study

A new study from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, reveals that nanoplastics not only pose a risk on their own but also enhance the virulence of pathogens.

Pathogens are disease-causing organisms.

About Nanoplastics

Nanoplastics are tiny particles, as small as smoke particles.
They are found everywhere—from mountain peaks to deep ocean trenches, and even inside human tissues and newborns.
They can damage cells and genetic material and now appear to increase the pathogenicity of microbes.
Sources
- Primary: Manufactured nanoplastics for consumer and industrial use.
- Secondary: Breakage of large plastic items into smaller ones due to chemical degradation, weathering, UV exposure.

About E. coli

E. coli stands for Escherichia coli, is a type of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals.

Key Highlights of the Study

Nanoplastics can make E. coli more dangerous.
- Mechanism: E. coli naturally has negatively charged outer membranes, which attract positively charged nanoplastics.
- Upon Interaction, it experiences stress and responds by producing more Shiga-like toxins—the very toxins that make it harmful to humans.

Significance of Study

This study suggests nanoplastics aren’t just pollutants—they can change how bacteria behave and increase public health risks

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