Project description
How nanoplastics fuel superbugs
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and plastic pollution are two of the most pressing global threats, quietly reshaping ecosystems and putting human and environmental health at risk. Recent research has revealed a disturbing link: nanoplastics (NPs), the tiniest plastic fragments. These may help bacteria share antibiotic resistance genes. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the NPLAMR project is investigating how NPs penetrate bacterial cells and boost gene transfer. By identifying which types and sizes of NPs are most dangerous, and how they interact with antibiotic-resistant microbes, the project hopes to map the hidden pathways of resistance spread. Overall, NPLAMR is a call to rethink our relationship with plastic and protect our future from invisible threats.
Objective
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and plastic pollution are among the top ten emerging global challenges identified by the United Nations Environment Programme, posing significant threats to environmental health. Recent studies suggest that nanoplastics (NPs) can penetrate bacterial cells and potentially enhance horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment. However, the mechanisms by which NPs invade bacteria, and the potential for reversing this process, remain unclear. Therefore, the NPLAMR project aims to identify the types of NPs that most contribute to the emergence and spread of ARGs, determine the size threshold of NPs capable of penetrating antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and elucidate the mechanisms of NPs invasion and their roles in the propagation of AMR. The project will qualitatively detect NPs in environmental samples and quantitatively assess key NP types, ARG classes, and mobile genetic elements that facilitate the spread of ARGs. Through culture experiments, NPLAMR will determine the size threshold of NPs capable of invading antibiotic-degrading bacteria and evaluate potential hazards by analyzing changes in the resistome, mobilome, and metabolome of these bacteria. Finally, microcosm experiments will co-culture NPs with environmental microbial communities, isolate invaded microbes, and assess their HGT rates to determine which antibiotic-resistant bacteria are most affected by NPs. The cutting-edge metagenomics and bioinformatics facilities at ICRA (the host), along with its specialized expertise, will enable the fellow to become a leading expert in microbial ecology. The project will present its findings in an accessible way to raise public awareness about plastic waste and AMR, thereby increasing attention to environmental health. It will also offer scientific support for developing strategies and policies to address AMR and NPs pollution.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry metabolomes
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology bacteriology
- natural sciences biological sciences ecology
- natural sciences earth and related environmental sciences environmental sciences pollution
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
17003 Girona
Spain
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.