Biopolymer Production Research Articles

Estimation of PHA concentrations from cell density data in Cupriavidus necator

The production of biodegradable and biobased polymers is one way to overcome the present plastic pollution while using cheap and abundant feedstocks. Polyhydroxyalkanoates are a promising class of biopolymers that can be produced by various microorganisms. Within the production process, batch-to-batch variation occurs due to changing feedstock composition when using waste streams, slightly different starting conditions, or biological variance of the microorganisms. Therefore, reliable and online-capable measurement methods of the product concentration are required to monitor and eventually react to those fluctuations. In this work, we present a flexible approach to determine polyhydroxyalkanoate concentrations based on a simple mathematical model. The data-driven model correlates polyhydroxyalkanoate concentrations with optical densities measured at 600 nm, a widespread, fast, and cheap lab measurement. We found that with different cultivation conditions, the correlation needs to be updated for a reasonable PHA determination during the process. We test this approach for the production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) in Cupriavidus necator using fructose and propionic acid as carbon sources. This flexible approach allows a simple estimation of PHA concentrations and offers the possibility to further enhance biopolymer production when combined with advanced control strategies.Key points∙Development of a simple mathematical model to estimate polyhydroxyalkanoate concentrations.∙Optical density measurement is used to determine polyhydroxyalkanoate concentration.∙The approach is tested for the production of PHB and PHBV with C. necator.

Harnessing the potential of Cupriavidus necator for CO2 capture from alcoholic fermentation and its bioconversion into poly(3-hydroxybutyrate).

The fermentation process in alcoholic beverage production converts sugars into ethanol and CO2, releasing significant amounts of greenhouse gases. Here, Cupriavidus necator DSM 545 was grown autotrophically using gas derived from alcoholic fermentation, using a fed-batch bottle system. Nutrient starvation was applied to induce intracellular accumulation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), a bioplastic polymer, for bioconversion of CO2-rich waste gas into PHB. Grape marc, another by-product of wine production, was evaluated as a low-cost carbon source for the heterotrophic growth of C. necator, which was subsequently used as an inoculum for autotrophic cultures. The effect of agitation, CO2 headspace composition, and nitrogen concentration was tested, obtaining a maximum PHB concentration of 0.69 g/L, with an average CO2 uptake rate of 1.14 ± 0.41 mmol CO2 L-1h-1 and 65 % efficiency of CO2 consumption. These findings lay the groundwork for developing carbon mitigation strategies in alcoholic fermentation processes coupled with sustainable biopolymer production.

Genomic analysis and potential polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) production from Bacillus strains isolated from extreme environments in Mexico

BackgroundPlastic pollution is a significant environmental problem caused by its high resistance to degradation. One potential solution is polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), a microbial biodegradable polymer. Mexico has great uncovered microbial diversity with high potential for biotechnological applications. The best polymer producers tend to be isolated from environments that require survival adaptations from microorganisms, the high-producing Bacillus cereus strain saba.zh comes from refinery wastewater, the costs of production have been a limiting factor for biopolymer production, and one of the focuses of interest has been finding novel strains with better production or singular traits that help in industrial processes.ResultsThe isolates were taxonomically classified as Bacillus cereus MSF4 and Bacillus inaquosorum MSD1 from Mina, Nuevo Leon; B. cereus S07C; and Paenibacillis dendritiformis from the active volcano “El Chichonal” on Chiapas. The strains had growth temperatures ranging from 35 to 50 °C and pH tolerance values ranging from 3 to 9. The best PHB-producing strain, B. cereus MSF4, produced 0.43 g/kg PHB on orange peels, followed by B. inaquosorum MSD1 at 0.40 g/kg, B. cereus S07C at 0.23 g/kg and P. dendritiformis at 0.26 g/kg.ConclusionsThe findings of this study affirm the potential of the Mexican isolated strains as PHB-producing organisms, enabling further studies to test their viability as industrial producers. The ability of P. dendritiformis and B. inaquosorum to synthetize PHB was also confirmed by the observations made providing novel evidence to consider these species as potential producers.

Production and optimization of pullulan biopolymer using Auerobasidium pullulans under controlled fermentation conditions

Production and optimization of pullulan biopolymer using Auerobasidium pullulans under controlled fermentation conditions

Utilizing Parachlorella microalgae and Arthrospira cyanobacteria for tertiary wastewater treatment and biomass valorization as raw material for biopolymer production

Utilizing Parachlorella microalgae and Arthrospira cyanobacteria for tertiary wastewater treatment and biomass valorization as raw material for biopolymer production

Bioenergy and bioproducts from cashew apple bagasse: a scientometric overview and strategies for sustainable utilization

AbstractThe potential of cashew apple bagasse in advancing a circular bioeconomy is being recognized increasingly. Traditionally viewed as a mere byproduct, this agroindustrial residue is acknowledged for its value in producing biofuels and bioproducts through innovative processes. This review highlights the growing research on cashew apple bagasse, emphasizing its nutritional potential and versatility as a biomass platform for generating products. Advances in pretreatment and fermentation strategies have enhanced bioprocess efficiency and aligned these processes with sustainability goals by utilizing residual materials and reducing environmental impacts. Cashew apple bagasse has also demonstrated considerable promise for enzymatic applications, including enzyme immobilization and biopolymer production, such as polylactic acid. These applications offer eco‐friendly alternatives to conventional petroleum‐based products. Emerging trends in bioenergy research underscore the importance of overcoming technical challenges related to biomass pretreatment, carbon capture, and sustainable production technologies. Innovations in digital financing, artificial intelligence, and hydrogen production are pivotal for the commercial viability of biorefineries. Overall, the promising findings from studies on cashew apple bagasse highlight its crucial role in renewable energy and bioproducts, reinforcing its potential to contribute significantly to a sustainable and circular economy.

Release of Biopolymers from Saccharomyces cerevisiae Biomass Through Thermal and Non-Thermal Technologies.

Components of yeast cell walls, such as β-glucans and mannoproteins, show promise for developing sustainable biopolymers for food packaging. Efficient extraction, however, is challenging due to the complexity of the yeast cell wall. This study explored high-pressure homogenisation (HPH) and pulsed electric fields (PEFs), alone and with heat treatment (TT), on bakery yeast (BY) and brewery spent yeast (BSY) biomasses. In the treated samples we assessed carbohydrates, proteins, β-glucans, and mannoproteins and evaluated cell wall disruption microscopically. HPH caused complete cell disintegration, enhancing intracellular release, while PEF primarily permeabilised the membranes. Combined HPH and PEF treatments significantly increased cell wall stress, leading to partial disintegration. Notably, the β-glucans released reached 3.90 g/100 g dry matter in BY and 10.44 g/100 g dry matter in BSY, demonstrating significant extraction improvements. These findings highlight the potential of HPH and PEF for enhancing β-glucan recovery from yeast biomass, offering a promising route for sustainable biopolymer production for food packaging.

Characterization of Spent Grain from Irish Whiskey Distilleries for Biorefinery Feedstock Potential to Produce High-Value Chemicals and Biopolymers

Distiller’s spent grain (DSG) is a byproduct generated in large quantities during the mashing process, particularly in the production of alcoholic beverages such as whiskey. This study aimed to characterize DSG from nine different distilleries as a potential biorefinery feedstock for the synthesis of high-value bioproducts. Key components, including protein (12.38–26.32%), cellulose (11.75–32.75%), hemicellulose (6.97–19.47%), lignin (8.44–15.71%), and total phenolics (1.42 to 3.97 mg GAE/g), were analyzed to evaluate their variability and suitability for industrial applications. The results reveal that DSG composition varies significantly across distilleries due to differences in processing techniques, even though the starting grain composition had minimal influence. Statistical analysis highlighted the variability of water- and ethanol-soluble extractives (17.34–31.77%) and their potential impact on product consistency. This compositional variability highlights the importance of understanding DSG’s structural properties to optimize its use as a lignocellulosic biomass feedstock. This study emphasizes the potential for utilizing DSG in the production of nanocellulose, bioplastics, phenolic resins, and other sustainable materials, thereby contributing to the circular economy. By linking compositional insights to specific applications, this work establishes a foundation for tailored utilization of DSG in biopolymer production and chemical synthesis. These findings provide valuable insights for biorefinery operations, addressing both sustainability challenges and the economic potential of industrial byproducts.

Biopolymer Production in a Full-Scale Activated Sludge Wastewater Treatment Plant: Seasonal Changes and Promising Bacterial Producers

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) offer the possibility of recovering valuable substances produced by microorganisms, such as extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs). This study aimed to investigate the generation and properties of biopolymers and microbial communities of activated sludge from a large, full-scale WWTP. EPS composition in the activated sludge changed mostly during the transition period from winter to spring. Higher temperatures favored higher protein (PN) concentrations and a higher PN/PSs (polysaccharides) ratio in tightly-bound EPS, stimulating bacterial aggregation. In the sludge, filamentous Microthrix sp. were abundant (~6%) but the settling properties of the sludge improved with increasing PN content in the bound EPS fraction. The content of alginate (ALE)-like polymers averaged 55–60 mg/g Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids, and ALE content in sludge and characteristics were stable during the year. The abundance of Nitrospira sp. and the marine group NS9 in activated sludge correlated with the ALE content in the biomass, pointing to the importance of biopolymer production for nitrogen-transforming microorganisms. The most common EPS-producer was, Candidatus Competibacter (3–4%). The abundance of the Roseiflexaceae family significantly increased in summer, as did the abundance of Trichoccus sp. and Flavobacterium sp. in winter. The study shows that seasonal temperature fluctuations do not significantly affect the production of polymers, especially alginate, which favors commercial ALE recovery. The non-uniform composition of ALE-like polymers shows the possibility of their use in areas that do not require a specific polymer composition, e.g., as environmentally friendly coating materials or sorbents. The study contributes to biopolymer recovery and valorization of activated sludge.

Sustainable production of polyhydroxybutyrate biopolymers and cellulose microfibers from sugarcane waste

Sustainable production of polyhydroxybutyrate biopolymers and cellulose microfibers from sugarcane waste

Bacterial cellulose: A versatile biomaterial for biomedical application

Bacterial cellulose, a unique biomaterial produced by several bacteria, has garnered biomedical interest to its versatility. This could be used in healthcare packaging, and textiles. Bacterial cellulose extraction is effective and affordable since it lacks lignin and hemicellulose. In wound healing, tissue engineering, drug delivery, and regenerative medicine, this material’s unique properties have drawn interest. Bacterial cellulose has been studies as a skin substitute for severe burns and non-woven bandages for persistent wounds. In addition, bacterial cellulose has been used to make artificial skin, blood arteries, and wound dressings. Bacterial cellulose is ideal for biopolymer production due to its clean chemical composition, nano-fibrillar structure, and crystalline characteristics. This review explores the processing, content, characteristics, and applications of bacterial cellulose, revealing its function in tissue regeneration and disease resistance. Through careful inquiry and analysis, this work seeks to comprehend bacterial cellulose and its impact on biomedical research and technology.

Bioplastic- Futuristic Approach

The ever-growing production of non-recyclable plastic products causes plastic pollution to be the one of most pressing environmental issues. The transition of petrochemical-based plastic with eco-friendly biodegradable plastic has become the promising solution to overcome the plastic pollution crisis. Recycling technology is an effective but incomplete measure to address these environmental issues. Bioplastic is a type of plastic made from biomass materials. Biomass normally refers to a union of microorganisms, which mainly contains macromolecules including starch, cellulose, protein, etc. Biodegradable bioplastic is a natural polymer modified class (PSM). Bioplastics are considered highly significant to increase sustainability where sustainability defines a balance between economic, environmental and social aspects of business and can be applied to different domains. In this research, the development of bioplastics is introduced in the context of circular economy. The choice of proper raw material for biopolymer production is very important as it can have an additional impact on the ecological pressure caused by the process. Here, waste water from rice mill is taken as raw material and natural coagulant like oil, starch, gelatine (commercial) etc are added for its flexibility. The thought of “Zero Emission” and “Recycling” the waste water in the production process can be highly beneficial in moving a step closer towards sustainability. Key words: bioplastic, waste water, circular economy and zero emission

Machine Learning-Based Process Optimization in Biopolymer Manufacturing: A Review.

The integration of machine learning (ML) into material manufacturing has driven advancements in optimizing biopolymer production processes. ML techniques, applied across various stages of biopolymer production, enable the analysis of complex data generated throughout production, identifying patterns and insights not easily observed through traditional methods. As sustainable alternatives to petrochemical-based plastics, biopolymers present unique challenges due to their reliance on variable bio-based feedstocks and complex processing conditions. This review systematically summarizes the current applications of ML techniques in biopolymer production, aiming to provide a comprehensive reference for future research while highlighting the potential of ML to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality. This review also shows the role of ML algorithms, including supervised, unsupervised, and deep learning algorithms, in optimizing biopolymer manufacturing processes.

Fibrous phosphosilicate with highly dispersed poly(ionic liquids) as a nanocatalyst for production of biopolymer from limonene epoxide and CO2

In this study, we developed nano accelerators with a broad range by utilizing the interaction between tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and tripolyphosphate (TPP), followed by attaching poly(ionic liquids) to the click-modified ligand of fibrous phosphosilicate (FPS). This process led to the uniform distribution of poly(ionic liquids) without any aggregation, forming PILs-FPS. This material was then applied as a green catalyst for producing cyclic carbonate from limonene epoxide and CO2 under eco-friendly conditions. Subsequently, we synthesized a polymer from the natural cyclic carbonate obtained. The reaction between CO2 and highly substituted epoxides from sustainable sources like waste limonene produced novel bio-based cyclic carbonates. The reaction took place under mild, solvent-free conditions using PILs-FPS as the catalyst. The fibrous FPS structures enhanced adsorption capacity and facilitated the recovery of the catalyst without significant loss of activity. The products were easily separated from the environmentally conscious setting, and the catalyst was reused multiple times without a notable decrease in performance or selectivity.

Carbon preference by Cupriavidus necator for growth and accumulation phases: Heterotrophic vs. autotrophic metabolisms

Cupriavidus necator is a mixotrophic microbe capable of metabolizing both organic carbon (heterotrophic) and CO2 (autotrophic) for cell growth and biodegradable plastic synthesis. This study investigates C. necator's behavior under mixotrophic conditions for cell growth and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) accumulation. Various concentrations of organic substrates (acetate and butyrate from 10 to 1000 mg/L) and gaseous substrates (H2, O2, CO2) were examined to monitor C. necator's substrate preferences. The results indicated a clear preference for organic carbon over CO2 during cell growth. At relatively low organic concentrations (10–100 mg/L), gas utilization began after complete consumption of organic substrates. On the other hand, higher concentrations (500–1000 mg/L) led to a shift from the heterotrophic to mixotrophic metabolism around the 10-h mark due to the abundance of substrates. During PHA accumulation, C. necator initially favored the gaseous substrates (H2 and CO2) before shifting to the organic substrates, with mixotrophic behavior observed immediately at low organic concentrations. Additionally, high CO2 partial pressure (>0.4 atm) inhibited microbial growth in both autotrophic and heterotrophic metabolisms. These findings highlight C. necator's adaptability under mixotrophic conditions and demonstrate the potential for mass-scale applications, such as microbial electrolysis cells to optimize biopolymer production and substrate utilization.

Optimized Polyhydroxybutyrate Production by Neobacillus niacini GS1 Utilizing Corn Flour, Wheat Bran, and Peptone: A Sustainable Approach

Plastic pollution is a pressing environmental challenge, necessitating the development of biodegradable alternatives like polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). This study focuses on optimizing PHB production by Neobacillus niacini GS1, a bacterium isolated from a municipal dumping site. By utilizing agricultural residues such as corn flour, wheat bran, and peptone as substrates, we aimed to establish an eco-friendly method for biopolymer production, contributing to sustainable agricultural residue management and bioplastic innovation. The bacterium was identified using morphological, biochemical, and molecular techniques. The optimization process involved adjusting variables such as inoculum age, inoculum size, incubation time, agitation rate, incubation temperature, pH of the medium, carbon sources, and nitrogen sources. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to identify optimal conditions, with the highest PHB yield of 61.1% achieved under specific conditions: 37 °C, pH 7, and an agitation rate of 150 rpm. These findings underscore the potential of Neobacillus niacini GS1 in converting agro-industrial residues into valuable biopolymers, promoting sustainable bioplastic production, and advancing agricultural residue valorization efforts through the use of eco-friendly materials.

A new insight into the mechanism of loading of Granisetron, Naltrexone and Risperidone in poly(ortho ester) and poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) as the controlled release drug delivery systems using a computational molecular approach

Owing to the good biocompatibility, bioavailability, biodegradability, and low toxicity of polymeric nanoparticles, considerable research interest has been generated. These polymeric carriers enhance the therapeutic index and improve controlled drug release. In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of six designed systems were conducted to compare poly(ortho ester) (POE) and poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) polymeric nanoparticles as carriers and delivery systems for three drugs: Granisetron, Naltrexone, and Risperidone. These drugs are FDA-approved under the brand name SUSTOL (Granisetron for anti-nausea and vomiting post-heavy chemotherapy), VIVITROL (Naltrexone for managing alcohol or opioid use disorder), and RISPERDAL CONSTA (Risperidone for treating schizophrenia). Various parameters, such as interaction energy, radius of gyration (Rg), solvent accessible surface area (SASA), distance, hydrogen bond, radial distribution function (RDF), and root mean square fluctuation (RMSF), were investigated. The MD simulations show good consistency with FDA-approved data, clearly illustrate why PLGA is suitable for NAL and RIS, and POE for GRS, as carriers in drug delivery. The findings, detailing mechanisms of polymer-drug interactions, have potential applications in (i) manufacturing and production of novel sustained-release drugs and biopolymers, (ii) identifying suitable patterns, and (iii) rationally designing new controlled-release drugs based on future artificial intelligence methods.

Dead Sea water as a sustainable source for the production of microbial bioplastics polyhydroxyalkanoates by halophiles

The Dead Sea is a unique salt-saturated water body. This work utilized the Dead Sea water (DSW) as a medium instead of fresh water for the biosynthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) by Haloferax mediterranei. The intracellular content of PHAs reached a maximum (6.35 %) at 40 % DSW. An artificial DSW media that mimics the DSW composition was prepared and used for PHAs production by H. mediterranei. The cell dry mass (CDM) and PHAs comcentration (32.61 g L−1 and 4.56 g L−1, respectively) were significantly higher than the results obtained from the reported H. mediterranei highly saline medium. The PHAs production was scaled-up to fed-batch utilizing no-cost date fruit waste and resulted in CDM and PHA concentration of 46.89 g L−1 and 12.77 g L−1, respectively under non-sterile conditions. H. mediterranei accumulated poly-3-(hydroxybutyrate-co-9 %-hydroxyvalerate) with molar mass 916.0 kDa and melting point at 143.2 °C. These results indicate the production of a high-quality biopolymer.

Production of Biopolymer & Preparation of Soap Using Chitin and Chitosan from Brachyura Shell

Collagen, an extracellular protein, was extracted from eggshells using a combination of 5% EDTA, 0.45 M NaCl, 0.2% NaOH, 0.2% H₂SO₄, 0.7% citric acid, and 10% HCl, while chitosan, a naturally occurring polysaccharide, was extracted from crab shells (Brachyura) through demineralization with 1N Hydrochloric acid, deproteinization using 6% sodium hydroxide solution, and deacetylation with 40% NaOH, followed by decolorization using potassium permanganate and oxalic acid. The proximate analysis of chitosan revealed an ash content of 32% and a moisture content of 4.13%, while the protein content of the extracted collagen was found to be 70 µg/dL, with an alternative method indicating 75 µg, equivalent to BSA. The molecular weights of collagen and chitosan were determined to be 300 kilodaltons and 190-310 kilodaltons, respectively, and their purity was confirmed using FTIR analysis. Hydrogels were prepared using a combination of collagen and chitosan and were tested for water absorption capacity and antimicrobial activity, demonstrating that both biomaterials possess significant antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Additionally, chitosan’s biocompatibility supports its use in creating edible films that can interact with other biopolymers and additives, indicating its potential for various industrial and biomedical applications.

Production of biopolymers from watermelon mesocarp: structural characterization, cytogenotoxicological safety, and antioxidant activity

Production of biopolymers from watermelon mesocarp: structural characterization, cytogenotoxicological safety, and antioxidant activity