Plastic metagenome
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT:
PROVIDER: PRJNA656291 | ENA |
REPOSITORIES: ENA
Similar Datasets
Project description:Several environmental bacteria encode plastic-degrading enzymes, a potential evolutionary response to the rapid introduction of plastic across global ecosystems. Given the widespread use of plastic in healthcare, we hypothesised that clinical bacterial isolates may also degrade plastic, rendering plastic-containing medical devices susceptible to degradation and failure and potentially offering these pathogens a carbon source that could be used to persist in the hospital-built environment. Here, we mined the genomes of prevalent pathogens and identified several enzymes in different pathogens with homology to known plastic-degrading enzymes. Synthesising and expressing a potential plastic-degrading enzyme derived from a Pseudomonas aeruginosa wound isolate in a heterologous host, we were able to demonstrate potent plastic degrading activity. We subsequently found that the original P. aeruginosa clinical isolate could reduce the weight of a medically relevant plastic, polycaprolactone (PCL), by 78% in 7 days, and critically could use it as a sole carbon source to grow. We uncovered a direct link to virulence, demonstrating that encoding a plastic degrading enzyme can significantly enhance biofilm formation and pathogenicity in vivo. We also demonstrate that this augmented biofilm phenotype is conserved in another P. aeruginosa PCL-degrading clinical isolate we identified in a screening. We reveal that the mechanism underpinning this enhanced biofilm formation is the incorporation of the plastic breakdown products into the extracellular matrix, leading to enhanced biofilm levels. The level of PCL degradation we show by a clinical isolate and its ability to promote a key virulence and persistence determinant such as biofilm formation indicates that the integrity of any PCL containing medical device, such as sutures or implants, and the condition of patients receiving such devices could be severely compromised by pathogens with this capacity. Given the central role of plastic in healthcare, this should be considered in the future of medical interventions and practice and hospital designs implementing this material
2025-10-14 | GSE275972 | GEO
Project description:Metagenome-Assembled Genomes of Twelve Bacterial Species from Biofouled Plastic Fabrics Harbor Multiple Genes for Adaptation and Degradation of Hydrocarbons
| PRJNA656514 | ENA
Project description:The study aimed to explore the potential of bacterial biodegradation as a solution to the global problem of plastic pollution, specifically targeting polyethylene (PE), one of the most common types of plastic. The goals of the study were to isolate a bacterial strain capable of breaking down PE, identify the key enzymes responsible for the degradation process, and understand the metabolic pathways involved. By investigating these aspects, researchers sought to gain critical insights that could be used to optimize plastic degradation conditions and inform the development of artificial microbial communities for effective bioremediation strategies. This research has significant relevance, as it addresses the pressing need for innovative and sustainable approaches to tackle the ever-growing issue of plastic waste and its impact on the environment.
2024-01-02 | PXD041981 | Pride
Project description:Plastic and soil metagenomes Genome sequencing and assembly
| PRJNA1097487 | ENA
Project description:The study aimed to explore the potential of bacterial biodegradation as a solution to the global problem of plastic pollution, specifically targeting polyethylene (PE), one of the most common types of plastic. The goals of the study were to isolate a bacterial strain capable of breaking down PE, identify the key enzymes responsible for the degradation process, and understand the metabolic pathways involved.
2023-10-24 | PXD044483 | Pride
Project description:plastic metagenome Genome sequencing and assembly
| PRJNA1332913 | ENA
Project description:Biodegradable plastic metagenome Raw sequence reads
| PRJNA595487 | ENA