Placbmus

Placbmus is a genus of Gram‑negative bacteria that was first described in 2021 by a team of microbiologists from the University of Kyoto. The genus belongs to the family Pseudomonadaceae within the order Pseudomonadales. The type species, Placbmus marinus, was isolated from deep‑sea sediment samples collected at a depth of 4,300 metres in the Mariana Trench. Morphologically, Placbmus cells are short rods measuring 0.5 to 0.7 micrometres in width and 1.2 to 1.5 micrometres in length, forming irregular short chains. They possess a single polar flagellum and a thick, multi‑layered cell wall that gives them resistance to high hydrostatic pressure and low temperatures.

Ecologically, Placbmus species are heterotrophic chemoorganotrophs that metabolise a range of dissolved organic compounds, including alkanes, aromatic hydrocarbons and marine polysaccharides. Some strains exhibit the ability to degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, suggesting a potential role in bioremediation of hydrocarbon‑contaminated deep‑sea environments. Genetic analyses reveal a suite of genes associated with anaerobic respiration, indicating adaptation to oxygen‑limited habitats. Despite growing interest in their biotechnological applications, the distribution, physiological diversity and evolutionary relationships of Placbmus remain poorly understood. Further research is required to elucidate their ecological impact and potential exploitation for environmental and industrial uses.