Citation: Xiaoxiong Wang, Hu Li, Peng Sun, lingling Li, Shoufeng Tang, Tiecheng Wang. Facilitating the spread of antibiotic resistance genes: The role of low carbonate radical anion concentrations in aquatic and intestinal environments[J]. Chinese Chemical Letters, ;2026, 37(11): 112648. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2026.112648 shu

Facilitating the spread of antibiotic resistance genes: The role of low carbonate radical anion concentrations in aquatic and intestinal environments

Xiaoxiong Wang ^{a, 1} ,
Hu Li ^{b, 1} ,
Peng Sun ^c ,
lingling Li ^e ,
Shoufeng Tang ^{d, *,} ,
Tiecheng Wang ^{c, *,}

a.
Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia Province, Yinchuan 750021, China
b.
School of Ecology and Environment, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China
c.
College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
d.
State Key Laboratory of Metastable Materials Science and Technology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Heavy Metal Deep-Remediation in Water and Resource Reuse, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
e.
Ningxia Sports Science and Technology Center, Yinchuan 750021, China

tangshf@ysu.edu.cn

wangtiecheng2008@nwsuaf.edu.cn

Received Date: 26 October 2025
Revised Date: 31 December 2025
Accepted Date: 19 March 2026
Available Online: 19 March 2026

Figures(4)

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have emerged as a critical global threat to public health and environmental sustainability. Carbonate radical anion (CO₃^•−), a potent reactive species, plays a significant role in both aquatic environments and biological systems, contributing to various oxidative biochemical processes. However, the effects of CO₃^•− on the transfer of ARGs in aquatic ecosystems and the human intestinal microbiome remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the conjugative transfer of the RP4 plasmid, harboring ARGs, in both water environments and the human intestinal microbiome under CO₃^•− exposure. Our findings revealed that low concentrations of CO₃^•− in water significantly enhanced the transfer of ARGs, while higher concentrations suppressed this process. The inhibitory effects at elevated CO₃^•− concentrations were linked to a reduction in the SOS response, decreased ATP synthesis through the electron transport chain and tricarboxylic acid cycle, and diminished intercellular contact. Machine learning analysis further confirmed that SOS response, cellular contact, and energy supply are pivotal factors in regulating ARGs transfer under CO₃^•− exposure. Additionally, low CO₃^•− levels markedly altered the human intestinal microbiome, influencing pathogenic bacteria, ARGs, and transport proteins, resulting in a 47.5% increase in the conjugative transfer of ARGs. This study elucidates the mechanisms by which CO₃^•− facilitates ARGs spread in aquatic and intestinal environments, offering novel insights into the potential health risks associated with ARG dissemination.
- Antibiotic resistance genes,
- Carbonate radical anion,
- Conjugative transfer,
- Gene expression,
- Gut microbiome
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