Plastisphere Dynamics: Microbiome-Microplastic Interactions and Biodegradation in Environmental Microbiomes

The study of environmental microbiomes has taken on new urgency in light of the pervasive presence of microplastics in natural ecosystems. The plastisphere—a term describing the microbial communities that colonize plastic debris—exemplifies a unique and dynamic habitat, particularly abundant in marine environments but also present in freshwater and terrestrial settings. These microplastic surfaces serve as highly persistent, mobile substrates that promote microbial colonization, drive taxonomic selection, and enable horizontal gene exchange, resulting in significant alterations to local microbiome composition and function. In addition to transporting potentially pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms, microplastics impact the microbiota of a wide range of living organisms, including both invertebrates and vertebrates. While recent research has advanced our understanding of microbial succession on microplastics and the roles these assemblages play as vectors of disease and chemical contaminants, substantial gaps remain in deciphering the precise mechanisms underlying these processes, their ecological cascades, and the extent to which living organisms facilitate the degradation and removal of plastic pollutants from the environment.This Research Topic aims to elucidate the complex interactions between microplastics and environmental microbiomes, with a dual focus: (1) dissecting how microbiomes colonize, modify, and are modulated by microplastic surfaces across habitats, and (2) clarifying the impacts of microplastic exposure on host-associated microbial communities, host physiology, and overall ecosystem functioning. Additionally, the Research Topic seeks to investigate the capabilities of diverse organisms to drive microplastic biodegradation through processes such as enzymatic depolymerization, biofilm formation, and metabolic assimilation. In doing so, we intend to bridge critical gaps by addressing foundational questions about ecological succession on microplastics, shifts in microbiome functionality, plastic-driven dysbiosis in host animals, and biological pathways that accelerate the breakdown of synthetic polymers.This Research Topic will consider studies that advance our knowledge of the role of microplastics in structuring environmental and host-associated microbiomes, and of the capacity of living organisms to degrade microplastics. Both experimental and observational research from marine, freshwater, soil, and host-organism contexts are encouraged. Contributions may address, but are not limited to, the following themes:- Microbial colonization and biofilm development on microplastic surfaces- Ecological succession, taxonomic selection, and functional shifts within the plastisphere- Horizontal gene transfer and metabolic exchange in plastisphere communitiesImpacts of microplastics on the diversity, structure, and function of invertebrate and vertebrate microbiota- Mechanisms of physical intestinal disruption, immune activation, and microbial vectorization following microplastic exposure- Release and effects of additives and adsorbed contaminants from microplastics on microbiomes- The role of living organisms (including under-studied invertebrates and vertebrates) in microplastic fragmentation, biodeterioration, enzymatic depolymerization, and mineralization- Alterations to soil and aquatic microbiomes resulting from microplastic presenceWe welcome original research articles, brief reports, reviews, methods, and opinion pieces that address the multifaceted interactions between microplastics and microbiomes in any natural setting. Studies employing innovative molecular, microbiological, ecological, or biochemical approaches are especially encouraged. Topic editors: Salustiano Mato, Josefina Garrido, Eustachio Tarasco Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78410/plastisphere-dynamics-microbiome-microplastic-interactions-and-biodegradation-in-environmental-microbiomes