1. Clinical strain PA-W23 of Pseudomonas aeruginosa degrades polycaprolactone (PCL) and enhances biofilm formation.
2. The plastic-degrading enzyme Pap1 secreted by the strain drives biofilm enhancement.
3. Presence of the PCL degradation byproduct, 6-hydroxyhexanoic acid (6OH-HA), stabilizes and strengthens the biofilm.
4. Medical plastics may inadvertently support the survival and virulence of opportunistic pathogens.
5. Screening clinical isolates for plastic-degrading capacity could improve infection control strategies and medical device safety.

Source: Cell reports