A multi-omics study of polystyrene degradation

Polystyrene (PS) is highly persistent in the environment, presenting a significant ecological challenge, while microbial degradation offers a potential green solution. However, the molecular mechanisms of microbial responses to such inert substrates remain unclear. This study focuses on Stenotrophomonas sp. (SM313), a strain capable of degrading PS, and investigates its adaptive reprogramming through multi-omics analysis. Characterization of the material shows a 4.53% reduction in PS mass over 60 days, with surface erosion, reduced molecular weight, introduction of oxygen-containing groups, and increased hydrophilicity. Whole-genome analysis highlights its genetic potential in xenobiotic degradation, energy conversion, and membrane transport. Transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data reveal a synergistic molecular response: significant upregulation of ribosomal and translation machinery ensures the rapid synthesis of degradation-related enzymes, while energy metabolism pathways like oxidative phosphorylation are activated to provide energy for the degradation process. Additionally, peroxisomal-pathway-equivalent oxidative stress defence and DNA repair mechanisms are upregulated to counteract oxidative stress. Pathway enrichment analysis indicates that PS degradation follows bifurcated metabolic pathways: the aromatic ring undergoes ring-opening via benzoate pathways, and the aliphatic side chains are degraded via β-oxidation, with metabolites entering central carbon metabolism. This study provides a systems biology perspective, emphasizing the complex, multi-enzyme collaboration involved in PS biodegradation.