Bioconversion of Used Transformer Oil into Polyhydroxyalkanoates by Acinetobacter sp. Strain AAAID-1.5

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Polymer Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Disposal of used transformer oil (UTO) poses environmental challenges.
• Non-biodegradable synthetic plastics contribute to pollution.
• There is a need for sustainable alternatives for plastic production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the utilization of UTO as a carbon feedstock for polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production.
• To assess the PHA-producing capability of Acinetobacter sp. strain AAAID-1.5.
• To optimize biosynthesis factors for enhanced PHA accumulation.

Main Methods:

• Laboratory-scale shake flask biosynthesis experiments.
• Culturing of Acinetobacter sp. strain AAAID-1.5 using UTO.
• Analysis of PHA structural composition and physicochemical properties using GC-MS, NMR, and other standard methods.
• Investigation of factors influencing PHA accumulation, including carbon substrate concentration, incubation time, and yeast extract concentration.

Main Results:

• Acineobacter sp. strain AAAID-1.5 effectively utilized UTO, producing PHA up to 34% of cell dry weight.
• Biosynthesis factors such as carbon substrate concentration, incubation time, and yeast extract concentration significantly influenced PHA accumulation.
• The produced PHA was characterized as an amorphous elastomer with major monomers of 3-hydroxyoctadecanoate and 3-hydroxyhexadecanoate, with a melting point of 88 °C and thermal degradation temperature of 268 °C.

Conclusions:

• Used transformer oil is a viable alternative carbon substrate for PHA biosynthesis.
• Acineobacter sp. strain AAAID-1.5 is an effective microorganism for bioconverting waste oils, particularly UTO, into biodegradable plastics.
• This study provides a foundation for further research into UTO as a feedstock for specific PHA production.