Optimized batch cultivation and scale-up of Bacillus thuringiensis for high-yield production of...

Addition of statistically optimized concentration of electron acceptor, propionic acid (1.2 g/L) at different cultivation times (0 h, 14.86 h and 19 h) during batch cultivation of B. thuringiensis in mixed substrate (glucose and glycerol) featured production of 8 g/L of biomass and 3.57 g/L of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) containing 0.805 g/L of 3-hydroxyvalerate concentration. Successful scale up of batch cultivation from 7 L to a 70 L bioreactor was, thereafter, achieved using power/volume (P/V) criteria with maximum PHBV and biomass concentration of 3.57 g/L and 7.15 g/L respectively. Characterization of PHBV so produced was carried out using NMR, FTIR, DSC and TGA to elucidate its structure, thermal properties and stability to map their applications in society. These findings highlight the potential of the optimized batch cultivation and scale-up process in producing PHBV emphasizing its relevance in sustainable biopolymer production.