The qualitative and quantitative composition of biofilms on microplastic surfaces is widely unknown. A previous study (Zettler et al., 2013; EST) reports the presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria (Vibrio spp.) on floating microplastic particles. Hence microplastics could function as vectors for the dispersal of microorganisms to new habitats. Several Vibrio species are serious human pathogens. Contact with contaminated water and consumption of raw seafood are the main infection factors for Vibrio associated diseases. On research cruises to the North- and Baltic Sea, microplastic particles were collected and subjected to APW (alkaline peptone water) enrichment. Growth on selective CHROMagar™ Vibrio and further identification of isolates by MALDI-TOF (matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight) clearly indicate the presence of potentially pathogenic Vibrio spp. on microplastics. Our results highlight the urgent need for detailed microbiological analyses of floating microplastic particles in the future.

Dangerous hitchhikers? evidence for potentially pathogenic vibrio spp. on microplastic particles

Conversion of plastic waste into fuels: A critical review

Conversion of plastic waste into fuels: A critical review.

Investigating the current status of COVID-19 related plastics and their potential impact on human health.

In addition to specific antibiotic resistance, the formation of bacterial biofilm causes another level of complications in attempts to eradicate pathogenic or harmful bacteria, including difficult penetration of drugs through biofilm structures to bacterial cells, impairment of immunological response of the host, and accumulation of various bioactive compounds (enzymes and others) affecting host physiology and changing local pH values, which further influence various biological functions. In this review article, we provide an overview on the formation of bacterial biofilm and its properties, and then we focus on the possible use of phage-derived depolymerases to combat bacterial cells included in this complex structure. On the basis of the literature review, we conclude that, although these bacteriophage-encoded enzymes may be effective in destroying specific compounds involved in the formation of biofilm, they are rarely sufficient to eradicate all bacterial cells. Nevertheless, a combined therapy, employing depolymerases together with antibiotics and/or other antibacterial agents or factors, may provide an effective approach to treat infections caused by bacteria able to form biofilms.

Mariana A. Saavedra

Papers

Isolation and characterization of human pathogenic multidrug resistant bacteria associated with plastic litter collected in Zanzibar