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Volume 20, Issue 1
  • ISSN: 1872-2083
  • E-ISSN: 2212-4012

Abstract

Introduction

The present study examined Polyhydroxy butyrate production (PHB) potential of different photosynthetic microbes such as and -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 non-degradable 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 ., 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.

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2025-10-21

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Exploration of Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) Production Potential of Photosynthetic Microbes: A Sustainable Source of Bioplastic
Recent Pat. Biotechnol. 20, 122 (2026); https://doi.org/10.2174/0118722083295143241220054012
/content/journals/biot/10.2174/0118722083295143241220054012
/content/journals/biot/10.2174/0118722083295143241220054012
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  • Article Type:     Research Article
Keyword(s): Bioplastic; conventional plastics; microalgae; photosynthetic microbes; polyhydroxy butyrate; purple non sulphur bacteria; synthetic plastic

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