Decoding Microbial Plastic Colonisation: Multi-Omic Insights Into the Fast-Evolving Dynamics of Early-Stage Biofilms

Area of Science:

• Marine microbiology
• Environmental science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Marine plastispheres are microbial communities colonizing plastic debris.
• Metaproteomics offers insights into plastisphere metabolism, but early formation dynamics are unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate early microbial interactions and metabolic activities during plastisphere formation on low-density polyethylene (LDPE).
• To analyze microbial diversity, biofilm development, and functional gene expression over time.

Main Methods:

• Combined metaproteomic and metagenomic analyses were employed.
• Samples were collected at 3 days (D3) and 7 days (D7) post-colonization.

Main Results:

• Pseudomonas and Marinomonas were dominant proteomes, with near-complete metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs).
• Microbial community composition shifted from Pseudomonas dominance at D3 to increased prevalence of Marinomonas, Acinetobacter, and Vibrio at D7.
• Evidence of oxidative stress response, nutrient limitation, and xenobiotic degradation was observed.
• Pseudomonas exhibited competitive advantages through toxin and type VI secretion system (TVI-SS) protein expression.
• Enhanced substrate transport and cross-feeding pathways indicated increased metabolic cooperation in the developing biofilm.

Conclusions:

• Early plastisphere formation involves dynamic shifts in microbial communities and metabolic strategies.
• Nutrient limitation and oxidative stress are key factors influencing microbial activity.
• The potential for plastic biodegradation and biotechnological applications is highlighted.