Title: Antibiotic-resistant superbugs on nanomaterials and nanoplastics

Abstract

The increasing manufacture of nanoproducts and plastics has resulted in a significant concern regarding unknown chronic effects upon exposure of nanomaterials and nanoplastic particles to humans. Indeed, nanoparticles and nano-sized plastic debris are found everywhere, in the environmental media via various sources including consumer products and transport pathways. Because of the heterogeneous properties of nanomaterials and nanoplastics, addressing toxicity becomes a challenging issue, particularly with regard to emerging contaminants of concern (e.g., superbugs) adsorbed on nanomaterials and nanoplastics. This presentation provides three objectives, namely (1) toxicity assessment of nanomaterials and nanoplastics (2) exploring toxicity mechanisms of antibiotic-resistant superbugs adsorption on nano-sized particles, and (3) addressing environmental and public health risks of nanomaterials and plastic debris. Data from recent publications were used to address the aforementioned three objectives. A case study on antibiotic-resistant superbugs adsorbed nanomaterials will be illustrated in this presentation. Given the review on antibiotic-resistant superbugs adsorbed nanomaterials, the development of green strategies and the application of biodegradable materials to the manufacture of consumer products are encouraged.