Tailoring nanomaterials towards global One Health: a promising nano-strategy against antibiotic resistance

Abstract

The management of antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) contamination in soil–plant systems is a critical area of research with significant implications for public health and environmental sustainability. Recently, engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) have been developed to enhance plant growth and address the global food crisis. Studies on the effects of nanomaterials mostly indicate an increase in the spread of antibiotic resistance, while emerging findings reveal the potential of ENMs in mitigating ARG pollution. Unlike existing mechanisms such as adsorption, DNA damage, and microbial disinfection involved in ARG removal, ENMs are specifically modified (e.g., with particular chemical compositions or surface charge adjustment) to inhibit the transfer of ARGs and migration of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The integration of ENMs with advanced technologies (e.g., CRISPR gene editing) holds great promise for remediating antibiotic resistance in soil–plant systems. Here, we provide an overview of ENM–ARG interactions and propose applications of tailored ENMs to inhibit ARG dissemination during the development of nano-enabled agriculture, addressing major challenges and directions for optimizing the efficacy and safety of ENM-based strategies for mitigating ARG contamination in agriculture.