By: Bec Harris
Microplastics are everywhere in our oceans, food, and even drinking water. And new research suggests they may be playing a role in the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, or superbugs.
Dr. Maud Eijkenboom, recently shared her research on this alarming issue and what her team is doing to combat it.
How Microplastics Help Superbugs Thrive
Scientists have discovered that microplastics can help bacteria form colonies called biofilms. These slimy bacterial communities become highly resistant to antibiotics, heat and disinfectants.
“Microplastics act like tiny floating homes for bacteria,” Dr. Maud explained. “Their surfaces repel water and attract organic matter, making them the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.”
Some microplastics even contain antibacterial ingredients. While this may seem like a good thing, it actually helps bacteria evolve resistance. “It’s like giving bacteria a vaccine against antibiotics,” she said. “They learn to fight back and become stronger.”
The Bigger Problem: Superbugs in Our Environment
Because microplastics don’t break down easily, they remain in the environment for years. Superbugs attached to them can spread through waterways, food chains, and even drinking water.
“Yes, even after filtration, microplastics and superbugs can still end up in our water,” Dr. Maud confirmed. “This makes the problem even more concerning.”
The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is already a global crisis. “Bacteria learn to resist antibiotics faster than ever,” she warned. “In some cases, resistance appears before new antibiotics even reach the market.”
Certain groups are especially vulnerable, including elderly individuals, cancer patients, and people in remote communities. “All it takes is a weakened immune system for these infections to take hold,” she said.
A Personal Fight Against Superbugs
For Dr. Maud, this issue is deeply personal. Her son, suffered from a severe bacterial infection that left him bedridden for years. “He was down to 50 kilos at age 18,” she shared. “No antibiotic worked. We were desperate.”
With her background in drug development, Dr. Maud and her husband took matters into their own hands. They launched a biotech company focused on breaking bacterial resistance. “We put everything on the line. Our house, our savings, to find a solution,” she said.
A Groundbreaking Solution
Instead of developing another antibiotic, her company created a “universal resistance breaker.” This new drug can be combined with any antibiotic to make bacteria sensitive again.
“It’s like resetting bacteria to the way they were before antibiotics existed,” she explained. “We’ve completed our first clinical trial, and if the next one is successful, we could push back the antibiotic resistance crisis by decades.”
What Can We Do About Microplastics?
While medical breakthroughs are promising, we still need to tackle the root cause: microplastic pollution.
“We can all take steps to reduce plastic use,” Dr. Maud suggested. “Switching to glass, limiting single-use plastics, and being mindful of antibacterial chemicals in everyday products can make a difference.”
Microplastics are a growing problem, but innovative science and small lifestyle changes could help turn the tide against superbugs. As research continues, awareness and action are key to protecting public health.
Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.
Feature image: Photo by Brian Yurasits on Unsplash