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Scalable Step-by-Step Approach of Sustainable Bioplastic Production from Food Waste
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Conversion of Starchy Waste Streams into Polyhydroxyalkanoates Using Cupriavidus necator DSM 545
Silvia Brojanigo1, Elettra Parro1, Tiziano Cazzorla1
1Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, Agripolis, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy.
Polymers
|July 9, 2020
Summary
Agricultural starchy wastes like rice and sweet potato can be converted into polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a biodegradable plastic alternative. This study optimized a process using Cupriavidus necator for efficient bioplastic production from these low-cost feedstocks.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology and Industrial Microbiology
- Polymer Science and Engineering
- Sustainable Materials Science
Background:
- Growing concerns over oil shortages and environmental pollution necessitate alternatives to synthetic plastics.
- Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biodegradable polymers with potential to replace conventional plastics.
- Agricultural starchy by-products represent abundant, low-cost feedstocks for bioplastic production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of agricultural starchy wastes as substrates for polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) production.
- To optimize a simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) process for PHA biosynthesis.
- To demonstrate the potential of rice and sweet potato waste for cost-effective bioplastic manufacturing.
Main Methods:
- Utilized *Cupriavidus necator* DSM 545, a known PHA-producing microorganism.
- Employed a simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) process.
- Optimized the dosage of STARGEN™ 002 amylase cocktail for efficient starch conversion.
Main Results:
- Identified broken rice as the most effective carbon source, yielding up to 5.18 g/L of PHAs.
- Demonstrated successful PHA production from both rice and sweet potato waste streams.
- Achieved significant bioplastic yields from low-cost, readily available agricultural residues.
Conclusions:
- Agricultural wastes, specifically rice and sweet potato residues, are viable and economical feedstocks for PHA bioplastics.
- The optimized SSF process using *Cupriavidus necator* is effective for converting starchy materials into PHAs.
- This research supports the development of sustainable bioplastic production from diverse starchy agricultural by-products.
