Enhancement of Poly(β-hydroxybutyrate) Production from Methanol by Methylobacterium Extorquens Using Mixed Substrates

Abstract

Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), produced by several species of bacteria, has attracted great attention as a biodegradable and biocompatible compound with almost similar properties of polypropylene. Unfortunately, its use is currently limited due to high production costs. One of the most common methods for overcoming this constraint is the use of inexpensive substrates, like methanol. Another strategy which involves the increase in carbon yield which can directly affect the production costs. One method to increase carbon yield is the use of mixed substrates. Therefore, for PHB production the effects of three sources of carbon, ethanol, sodium acetate, and glucose were studied as substrates in different concentrations mixed with methanol. It was found that PHB concentration and PHB content increased by addition of ethanol and acetate, but glucose addition did not have any significant effect on PHB production. Calculation of carbon yield under the best condition indicated that it increased about 3 times by addition of acetate.

Keywords

• methanol
• methylobacterium extorquens
• poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (phb)
• mixed substrate
• carbon yeild