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Scalable Step-by-Step Approach of Sustainable Bioplastic Production from Food Waste
Published on: July 18, 2025
Production of a metal-binding exopolysaccharide by Paenibacillus jamilae using two-phase olive-mill waste as
Jose Antonio Morillo1, Margarita Aguilera, Alberto Ramos-Cormenzana
1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Campus Universitario de Cartuja s/n, Granada 18071, Spain.
Abstract:
The present study investigated the use of two-phase olive mill waste (TPOMW) as substrate for the production of exopolysaccharide (EPS) by the endospore-forming bacilli Paenibacillus jamilae. This microorganism was able to grow and produce EPS in aqueous extracts of TPOMW as a unique source of carbon. The effects of substrate concentration and the addition of inorganic nutrients were investigated. Maximal polymer yield in 100-ml batch-culture experiments (2 g l(-1)) was obtained in cultures prepared with an aqueous extract of 20% TPOMW (w/v). An inhibitory effect was observed on growth and EPS production when TPOMW concentration was increased. Nutrient supplementation (nitrate, phosphate, and other inorganic nutrients) did not increase yield. Finally, an adsorption experiment of Pb (II), Cd (II), Cu (II), Zn (II), Co (II), and Ni (II) by EPS is reported. Lead was preferentially complexed by the polymer, with a maximal uptake of 230 mg/g EPS.
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