Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production by Lynisibacillus sp. strain UEA-20.171

Abstract

PHA is a biodegradable and biocompatible natural thermoplastic produced from renewable bioresources and is hence attracting attention as a plastic material for use in the environment and medical fields. In the present study, the Lynisibacillus sp. strain UEA-20.171 was selected for production of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) in bioreactor. The accumulation of polymer in the bacterium occurs when there is an imbalance in the concentration of nitrogen in relation to carbon (glucose). After the period of adaptation in mineral medium from 12 to 24 h, the cell division occurred from 12 to 24 h, and the formation of biopolymers from 36 to 48 h. It was observed that the polymer produced by the isolated UEA-20.171, was P(3HB).

Keywords: Polyhydroxyalkanoates, polyhydroxybutyrate, bioplastics, Lysinibacillus