Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2025
Production of Chemicals by Klebsiella pneumoniae Using Bamboo Hydrolysate as Feedstock
Published on: June 29, 2017
Exploration of Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) Production Potential of Photosynthetic Microbes: A Sustainable Source of
Saima Shahzad Mirza1, Kanza Yaseen2, Sumaira Aslam2
1Microbial Bioengineering Laboratory, University of Education, Bank Road Campus, Lahore, Pakistan.
Introduction:
The present study examined Polyhydroxy butyrate production (PHB) potential of different photosynthetic microbes such as Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus obliquus and Rhodobacter capsulatus-PK under different nutrient conditions. Biodegradable bioplastics, such as Poly-β-hydroxybutyrates (PHB), derived from these microbes provide a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based nondegradable plastics.
Background:
As the demand for clean and sustainable alternatives rises, bio-plastic is gaining attention as a viable substitute to conventional plastics. However, conventional sources of bio-plastic production have inherent limitations, which can be effectively addressed through the utilization of photosynthetic microbes e.g., microalgae, purple non sulphur bacteria.
Methodology:
The production of bioplastic was evaluated by cultivating the microalgae in BG-11, BBM and PNSB in synthetic growth media (MI, MII) with different nitrogen concentrations of 0%, 50% and 100%. The biopolymer (PHB) was obtained from all experiments in a wide range of concentration (7-42.8%) of dry cell weight (DCW).
Results:
In this study, algal isolate SK1 demonstrated the highest PHB content (42.8%) in BBM under 100% nitrogen starvations rendering the bioplastic exceptionally compatible and suitable for eco-friendly applications. Additionally, various patents cited by different authors on different aspects of microbial bioplastic production.
Conclusion:
Nutrition depletion such as nitrogen scarcity induced stressful growth conditions that resulted in highest accumulation of the biopolymer PHB. Optimizing nitrogen availability is key to maximizing PHB production, making it a viable sustainable alternative to conventional plastics.
More Related Videos
13:38Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture
Published on: May 10, 2013
08:21Forming Micro-and Nano-Plastics from Agricultural Plastic Films for Employment in Fundamental Research Studies
Published on: July 27, 2022
Related Concept Videos
00:46Bioremediation
01:20Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters
Polyesters are commonly prepared from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol; the crude product is known as poly(ethylene terephthalate) or PET. However, polyesters are synthesized industrially by transesterification of dimethyl terephthalate with ethylene glycol at 150 °C. The two reactants and the...
01:30Environmental Applications of Microorganisms