Amino acid reprogramming and biofilm-specific tricarboxylate transporters in PET-degrading Piscinibacter sakaiensis.

Biofilm-specific activation of tripartite tricarboxylate transporter genes in Piscinibacter sakaiensis is linked to PET degradation, distinct from general amino acid reprogramming.

• Why it matters: Understanding the physiological roles of biofilm formation in plastic degradation is crucial for improving bioremediation strategies, as biofilms may contribute beyond enzyme retention.
• What they did: The study combined population-level RNA-sequencing of PET-exposed cells with single-cell Raman spectroscopy, revealing two response layers: a shared amino acid reprogramming and a biofilm-specific transporter induction.
• The result: Biofilm formation correlates with the activation of transport systems at the plastic interface, suggesting a role in capturing PET-derived intermediates, and providing a framework for understanding microbial contributions to plastic biodegradation.