부산대학교 도서관

Extensive usage of synthetic plastics poses a negative impact on environment and concomitantly increasing fossil fuel demand. Hence, bioplastic like polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) has gained attention due to their analogous properties with synthetic plastics. However, its cost competitiveness is a big confront. In this context design of a substrate facilitator, mixed bacterial culture (MBC) can address this burning issue and augment avenue to industrial PHAs production. Herein, PHAs production by MBC comprised of Bacillus species was investigated. Eight preserved PHAs producing Bacillus species were selected of which 04 strains showed accumulation of PHAs granule. Among them, Bacillus sp. C1 and Bacillus sp. O6 were compatible to each other as revealed from antagonistic activity. Independently, Bacillus sp. C1 (2013) and Bacillus sp. O6 produced 0.90 ± 0.01 g/L & 1.30 ± 0.02 g/L PHAs. However, 2.70 ± 0.01 g/L of PHAs was recovered from MBC through submerged fermentation. Infra-red spectra illustrated sharp peak at 1719.86 cm−1 denoting carbonyl-ester (C = O) functional group of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). It was degraded within 21 days as confirmed from open windrow composting. This research represents a new approach for PHAs production however before pilot scale operation, evaluation of inexpensive carbon sources as substrate is highly indispensable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]