A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Plastic-degrading clusters of orthologous groups reveal near-universal biodegradation potential in prokaryotes




AuthorsMustari, Shakira; Phạm, Loan Tú; Saikkonen, Kari; Nakamura, Miho; Puigbò, Pere

PublisherElsevier

Publication year2026

Journal: Environmental Technology and Innovation

Article number104872

Volume42

eISSN2352-1864

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2026.104872

Publication's open availability at the time of reportingOpen Access

Publication channel's open availability Open Access publication channel

Web address https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2026.104872

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/523418123

Self-archived copy's licenceCC BY

Self-archived copy's versionPublisher`s PDF


Abstract

Micro- and nanoplastic pollution (MNPP) is an increasing environmental threat due to the persistence, dispersal, and potential toxicity of plastic particles. Although microbial biodegradation offers a sustainable mitigation strategy, a comprehensive understanding of plastic-degrading proteins across microbial taxa is lacking. Here, we present the Plastic-Degrading Clusters of Orthologous Groups (PDCOGs) database (https://phylobone.com/microworld/PDCOG), comprising 625,616 potential plastic-degrading proteins (PPDPs) from free-living prokaryotes organized into 51 orthologous groups. The database/PDCOGs enable systematic analysis of microbial plastic-degrading capacity across ecosystems and phylogenetic lineages. Notably, PPDPs constitute ∼3.5% of all prokaryotic proteins, with over 95% of the species having the potential to biodegrade at least one plastic polymer type. This resource provides a genomic tool/framework for exploring the ecological and evolutionary importance of plastic biodegradation and supports future efforts to mitigate the global MNPP crisis.


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Funding information in the publication
Scandinavian-Japan Sasakawa foundation (GA25-FUB-0132). PP is a Serra Húnter Professor in the public university system of Catalonia.


Last updated on 18/05/2026 01:09:19 PM