Biodegradable latexes from animal-derived waste: Biosynthesis and characterization of mcl-PHA accumulated by Ps. citronellolis

Abstract

Backgroundmcl-PHA biosynthesis by Pseudomonas citronellolis from tallow-based biodiesel as inexpensive carbon feed stock was accomplished. Fermentation protocols, kinetic analysis, an efficient product recovery strategy, and a detailed product characterization are presented. ResultsA maximum specific growth rate, μmax. of 0.10 and 0.08h−1, respectively, was achieved in two different fermentation set-ups. Volumetric productivity for mcl-PHA amounted to 0.036g/Lh and 0.050g/Lh, final intracellular PHA contents calculated from the sum of active biomass and PHA to 20.1 and 26.6wt.%, respectively. GC-FID analysis showed that the obtained biopolyester predominantly consists of 3-hydroxyoctanoate and 3-hydroxydecanoate, and, to a minor extent, 3-hydroxydodecanoate, 3-hydroxynonanoate, 3-hydroxyhexanoate, and 3-hydroxyheptanoate monomers. This was confirmed by 1H- and 13C NMR, also evidencing the occurrence of low quantities of unsaturated and 3-hydroxyvalerate building blocks. High purity of the recovered materials was proofed by elemental analysis. Regarding the results from thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and molecular mass determination, results were in a range typical for this type of PHA (1st fermentation: decomposition temperature Td=296°C, peak of melting range Tm=48.6°C; glass transition temperature Tg=−46.9°C, degree of crystallinity Xc=12.3%, Mw=66,000, Mn=35,000, dispersity index Pi=1.9; 2nd fermentation: Td=295°C, Tm=53.6°C, Tg=-43.5°C, Xc=10.4%, Mw=78,000, Mn=196,000, Pi=2.5).