Work

Poly-3-hydroxy butyrate production and it's characterization from a new species, Rhodobacter alkalitolerans strain JA916T in different growth conditions

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Rhodobacter alkalitolerans strain JA916T ( R. alkalitolerans ) is a purple non‑sulfur photosynthetic bacterium that grows in alkaline conditions. It is metabolically versatile, and can produce polyhydroxy butyrate (PHB) as internal storage carbon. We observed higher expression of PHB-synthesizing genes and greater PHB production under normal pH (npH) conditions compared to high pH (hpH), along with increased biomass production . The purity of PHB was analyzed using fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy , gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance , confirming it as a polymer of 3-hydroxybutric acid. Furthermore, PHB was characterized using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis , revealing a melting temperature (T m ) of 177.59 °C and the highest degradation rate at 282.02 °C. This is the first report of high-yield PHB production within 24–28 h of high light exposure to R. alkalitolerans , highlighting its potential as a biodegradable plastic alternative.

Source: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.142790

Authors: Mohammad Yusuf Zamal, Rajagopal Subramanyam

Institution: University of Hyderabad

Language: English

Topic: biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,390