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

Citation

Lee CE, Messer LF, Wattiez R & Matallana‐Surget S (2025) Decoding Microbial Plastic Colonisation: Multi‐Omic Insights Into the Fast‐Evolving Dynamics of Early‐Stage Biofilms. PROTEOMICS, 25 (7), Art. No.: e202400208. https://doi.org/10.1002/pmic.202400208

Abstract
Marine plastispheres represent dynamic microhabitats where microorganisms colonise plastic debris and interact. Metaproteomics has provided novel insights into the metabolic processes within these communities; however, the early metabolic interactions driving the plastisphere formation remain unclear. This study utilised metaproteomic and metagenomic approaches to explore early plastisphere formation on low-density polyethylene (LDPE) over 3 (D3) and 7 (D7) days, focusing on microbial diversity, activity and biofilm development. In total, 2948 proteins were analysed, revealing dominant proteomes from Pseudomonas and Marinomonas, with near-complete metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs). Pseudomonas dominated at D3, whilst at D7, Marinomonas, along with Acinetobacter, Vibrio and other genera became more prevalent. Pseudomonas and Marinomonas showed high expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) suppression proteins, associated with oxidative stress regulation, whilst granule formation, and alternative carbon utilisation enzymes, also indicated nutrient limitations. Interestingly, 13 alkanes and other xenobiotic degradation enzymes were expressed by five genera. The expression of toxins, several type VI secretion system (TVISS) proteins, and biofilm formation proteins by Pseudomonas indicated their competitive advantage against other taxa. Upregulated metabolic pathways relating to substrate transport also suggested enhanced nutrient cross-feeding within the more diverse biofilm community. These insights enhance our understanding of plastisphere ecology and its potential for biotechnological applications.

Keywords
biofilm formation ; marine biofilms; metaproteome; plastic debris; plastisphere

Notes
This article is included as chapter 2 in the thesis: Lee, C.E. (2025) Invisible threats to oceans (InTO) : assessing the combined toxicity effects of emerging anthropogenic pollutants on microbial communities. PhD thesis. University of Stirling. Available at: http://hdl.handle.net/1893/37546.

Journal
PROTEOMICS: Volume 25, Issue 7

• Decoding Microbial Plastic Colonisation