The soil microbiome is the key player regulating phosphorus cycling processes. Identifying phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and utilizing them for release of recalcitrant phosphate that is bound to rocks or minerals have implications for improving crop nutrient acquisition and crop productivity.

The polyethylene terephthalate hydrolase (PETase) has been proved to have a high activity to degrade polyethylene terephthalate(PET), but few studies has been carried on its secretion in Bacillus subtilis. In this study, the coding gene of PETase, which was isolated from the Ideonella sakaiensis, was synthesized and expressed in B. subtilis. Then we evaluated the ability of five Bacillus signal peptides to enhance PETase secretion by B. subtilis. The results indicated that the SP_amy‐induced secretion of PETase was the highest, and its activity against p‐Nitrophenyl palmitate was about fourfold that of the natural signal peptide SP_PETase. The weak promoter P43 provided sufficient time for translation and folding of PETase, resulting in increased extracellular expression. Use of P43 and SP_amy in combination yielded the greatest bis‐(2‐hydroxyethyl) terephthalate degradation and PET‐film etching activity due to maximized secretion of PETase by B. subtilis. Our findings will facilitate biodegradation of PET plastic.

The Microbiome Protocols eBook (MPB) serves as a crucial bridge, filling gaps in microbiome protocols for both wet experiments and data analysis. The first edition, launched in 2020, featured 152 meticulously curated protocols, garnering widespread acclaim. We now extend a sincere invitation to researchers to participate in the upcoming 2nd version of MPB, contributing their valuable protocols to advance microbiome research.