Isolation, Production, Extraction, Optimization and Fortification of PHB using Silver Nanoparticles from Lactobacillus Casei

In this study, bacteria were first isolated to produce the biopolymer PHB (poly - 3 hydroxybutyrate) as a substitute for plastic, which is a major contributor to soil pollution and excess plastic wastage worldwide. Plastic lacks the property to degrade in soil but is used in large forms. To overcome this problem, bioplastics are synthesized which are biodegradable compounds that are completely sustainable and can substitute fossil fuels and non-degradable plastic. In this study, the ideal organism for the production of PHB was first isolated from soil samples and then grown on suitable media. After identifying the isolate as Lactobacillus by performing various biochemical tests. The organism was then mass-produced to extract PHB by differential digestion treatment to extract the bacterial pellet containing PHB. The estimation of PHB was done by using a double-beam UV-VIS spectrophotometer, the readings were taken and maximum absorbance was noted. Optimization is performed to increase the polymer production in PHB-producing organisms, in optimization we check for the optimal conditions of different concentrations of carbon and nitrogen sources where we estimate the dry weight and check for the source showing the maximum dry weight. The post-synthesis of PHB nanoparticles was done to enhance its properties and increase the strength of the polymer. It is done by introducing silver nitrate to the bacterial pellet containing PHB. The presence of silver PHB nanoparticles was estimated using a double-beam UV-VIS spectrophotometer, the readings were taken and maximum absorbance was noted.