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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Artículo científico |
| Language: | en |
| Published: |
Environmental microbiology
2025
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40317824/ |
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Table of Contents:
- Rapid Colonisation of Plastic Surfaces by Marine Alcanivorax Bacteria Is Flagellum-Dependent and Influenced by Polymer Type and Photo-Weathering State. Davidov, Keren Itzahri, Sheli Kartha, Aiswarya Orr, Gilad Lang, Ziv Navon-Venezia, Shiri Oren, Matan Plastics Flagella Alcanivoraceae Bacterial Adhesion Seawater Ultraviolet Rays Polymers Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions Biodegradation, Environmental Marine plastic debris provides stable surfaces for microbial colonisation, forming a unique ecosystem known as the plastisphere. Among the early colonisers are Alcanivorax bacteria, hydrocarbon degraders commonly found in oil-polluted seawater and on marine plastic surfaces. This study examined factors influencing the adhesion and colonisation dynamics of six Alcanivorax species. Flagellated species-A. balearicus, A. dieselolei and A. xenomutans-rapidly colonised plastics, particularly polyethylene and polypropylene, while non-flagellated species did not. Notably, plastic photo-weathering treatments led to the elongation of A. dieselolei cells, secretion of extracellular polymeric substance in some cases, and increased colonisation on UVB-treated polyethylene terephthalate. These changes may be linked to the reduced plastic surface hydrophobicity recorded following photo-weathering. To confirm the role of flagella in Alcanivorax adhesion, we disrupted flagellar activity using sub-concentrations of polymyxin B sulfate, resulting in inhibition of swarming motility and complete disruption of colonisation. These results contribute to our understanding of the interactions between hydrocarbon-degrading Alcanivorax bacteria and their plastic substrate, which in turn contributes to the understanding of the ecological impact of plastic pollution in marine environments.