Enhanced production of biobased, biodegradable, Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) using an unexplored marine bacterium Pseudohalocynthiibacter aestuariivivens, isolated from highly polluted coastal environment. (January 2023) - Esposito, Fortunato Palma
Graphical abstract: Highlights: Pseudohalocynthiibacter aestuariivivens P96 is a novel producer of P(3HB) polymer. Genome analysis revealed the presence of genes involved in the PHB biosynthesis. SEM and TEM analysis clearly showed granule accumulation in the productive medium. The P(3HB) production is 4.73 g/L and the intracellular content 87 % dcw. P. aestuariivivens P96 displayed high industrial potential. Abstract: The production and disposal of plastics from limited fossil reserves, has prompted research for greener and sustainable alternatives. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biocompatible, biodegradable, and thermoprocessable polyester produced by microbes. PHAs found several applications but their use is limited due to high production cost and low yields. Herein, for the first time, the isolation and characterization of Pseudohalocynthiibacter aestuariivivens P96, a marine bacterium able to produce surprising amount of PHAs is reported. In the best growth condition P96 was able to reach a maximum production of 4.73 g/L, corresponding to the 87 % of total cell dry-weight. Using scanning and transmission microscopy, lab-scale fermentation, spectroscopic techniques, and genome analysis, the production of thermoprocessable polymer Polyhydroxybutyrate P(3HB), a PHAs class, endowed with mechanical and thermal properties comparable to that of petroleum-based plastics was confirmed. This study represents a milestone toward the use of this unexplored marine bacterium for P(3HB) production.