Using bacteria to sense and remove nanoplastics

Micro- and nanoplastic particles are present in salt, fish, beer and drinking water. Most nanoplastic research has focused on larger (> 200 nm) particles, which are easily detectable. Such > 200 nm nanoparticles are likely to harmlessly pass through humans. Little is known about the impact of sub-50nm particles because they are difficult to (1) detect in water or cells owing to their small size and (2) produce and functionalize in the laboratory.

Here, we propose a unique method to detect and trap sub-50 nm nanoplastics using bacteria which stick to plastic surfaces. Such bacteria use specialised machinery to stick to plastic. We will combine simulations, molecular biology methods and analytical chemistry techniques to engineer this bacterial machinery for detection and removal of sub-50 nm nanoplastics from water.  Our research can lead to a cleaner biosphere, and enable future investigations into the occurrence, toxicity and cellular interactions of sub-50 nm nanoplastics, which may cause health concerns in humans and animals.