Malaysian Journal of Microbiology (Jan 2013)

Biosynthesis of P(3HB-co-3HV-co-3HHp) terpolymer by Cupriavidus necator PHB-4 transformant harboring the highly active PHA synthase gene of Chromobacterium sp. USM2

  • Rathi, D-N.,
  • Persson, E. J.,
  • Maurer, F. H. J.,
  • Sudesh, K.

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9, no. 2
pp. 140 – 146

Abstract

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Aims: This study evaluates potentials of Cupriavidus necator PHB4 transformant harboring the highly activepolyhydroxyalkanoate synthase gene (phaC) of a locally isolated Chromobacterium sp. USM2 for its ability toincorporate 3-hydroxyheptanoate (3HHp) monomer.Methodology and results: A mixture of fructose and sodium heptanoate fed to the culture gave rise to poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate-co-3-hydroxyheptanoate), [P(3HB-co-3HV-co-3HHp)] terpolymer synthesis, withtraces of 3HHp monomers confirmed through gas chromatography (GC), proton (1H) and carbon (13C) NMR spectra.Conclusion, significance and impact of study: This study has revealed that the PHA synthase of Chromobacteriumsp. USM2 has a broad range of substrate specificity. The synthase is able to polymerize 3-hydroxyalkanoate monomershaving 4–7 carbon atoms.

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