Multiple roles of nanomaterials along with their based nanotechnologies in the elimination and dissemination of antibiotic resistance

Antibiotic resistance has become an emerging global health concern in recent years. Particularly, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are frequently detected in high abundance in various environmental media. A comprehensive understanding of the effects of exogenous compounds on their environmental fates is therefore urgent. Herein, we systemically elaborate on the influence of nanomaterials on the removal and horizontal gene transfer (HGT) processes of ARGs. We first introduce the occurrence, behavior, and potential hazards of ARGs, then summarize nanomaterials-mediated antibiotic resistance removal, covering antibiotic reduction, microbial inactivation and ARGs elimination, next elaborate the influence of nanomaterials on the HGT processes of ARGs along with the involved mechanisms, and last point out the tradeoff between ARGs elimination and horizontal transfer by nanomaterials. The present review could strengthen our understanding of the nanomaterials-mediated dissemination of antibiotic resistance, thus undoubtedly alerting us to rethink the reasons for the spread of ARGs apart from antibiotic contaminants and to reevaluate the potential detriment of nanomaterials on the prevalence of ARGs in complex ecological environments.