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Production, optimization and characterization of polyhydroxybutyrate, a biodegradable plastic by Bacillus spp
Pabitra Bhagowati1, Shreema Pradhan, Hirak R Dash
1a Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Ecology (LEnME), Department of Life Science , National Institute of Technology , Rourkela , India.
Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry
|April 23, 2015
Summary
Bacillus cereus SE-1 efficiently accumulates poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), a biopolymer. Blending PHB with thermoplastic starch (TS) enhances its properties, making it a promising biodegradable material.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Polymer Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) serves as an intracellular lipid reserve in numerous bacteria.
- Investigating bacterial strains for efficient PHB accumulation is crucial for biopolymer production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare PHB accumulation potential between terrestrial Bacillus cereus SE-1 and marine Bacillus sp. CS-605.
- To identify optimal carbon sources for PHB accumulation in B. cereus SE-1.
- To evaluate the properties of PHB blended with thermoplastic starch (TS).
Main Methods:
- Bacterial cultivation and PHB accumulation assessment.
- Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for PHB identification.
- Carbon source screening for PHB production.
- Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to analyze PHB-TS blends.
Main Results:
- Bacillus cereus SE-1 demonstrated significantly higher PHB accumulation (40% at 72h) compared to Bacillus sp. CS-605 (33% at 72h).
- Maltose was identified as the most effective carbon source for PHB accumulation in B. cereus SE-1.
- PHB blended with TS exhibited increased thermoplasticity and reduced crystallinity, with a melting temperature (Tm) of 109.4 °C.
Conclusions:
- Bacillus cereus SE-1 is a potent producer of PHB.
- PHB-TS blends show modified material properties, suggesting potential for biodegradable applications.
- Further research into PHB modification and applications is warranted.
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