Nano-Enabled Zooremediation of Antibiotic Resistance Genes via Interfacial DNA Capture and Stimulated Nuclease Secretion.

Abstract

Harnessing deoxyribonucleases (DNases) for biodegrading antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) provides an eco-compatible approach to control antimicrobial resistance; however, translation to high-efficiency removal is hindered by limited access to ARGs and receptor-gated enzyme secretion. Herein, a nano-zoo composite was established for ARG remediation using nanoscale zerovalent iron (nZVI) and worms (<i>Tubifex tubifex</i>). The optimized composite removed extracellular ARGs from 10⁸ to 10² copies/L (99.9999% efficiency) within 72 h in laboratory microcosms and wastewaters, significantly suppressing horizontal gene transfer. Mechanistically, oxidative phase transformation of nZVI enhances inner-sphere Fe-O-P bonding to the DNA phosphate backbone, concentrating ARGs at the interface and promoting fragmentation. Transcript and protein assays demonstrate that ARG fragments activate Toll-like receptor signaling, thereby triggering a 5.71-fold increase in DNase II exocytosis. These findings support a hybrid nano-bio remediation strategy that couples interfacial capture with endogenous nuclease action, providing a scalable route to control emerging genetic pollutants in aquatic systems.