Isolation, screening and identification of bacteria for poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) production

Abstract

A study was conducted to isolate, screen and identify bacteria for the production of a biodegradable plastic material called poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB). Results of isolating bacteria from soils showed 78 isolates were confirmed to possess cellular inclusions of PHB out of the total 300 random colonies sampled from plated soils. Following many months of preservation under starvation state to maintain PHB producing capability, the isolates were found to be viable and possess the same characteristic of PHB inclusion. Screening isolates for PHB production revealed only 29 exhibited cellular PHB content ≥40% of cell biomass. Based on cell biomass and the type of PHB inclusion inside the cell as determined microscopically, 10 isolates were selected for further study and the possible application of PHB technology. The 10 isolates were characterized morphologically, culturally and physiologically to determine identity at generic level. Results showed the isolates were Gram-positive sporeforming rods of the genus Bacillus. They were found to be of the species Bacillus megaterium based on the morphological and biochemical properties. These strains utilized a wide range of carbohydrate for growth and were able to grow under a wide temperature range. © 1997 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Source or Periodical Title

Studies in Environmental Science

ISSN

1661116

Page

737-748

Document Type

Article

Subject

Bacillus megaterium, Biodegradable plastic, Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB)

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