We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Production and characterization of polyhydroxyalkanoates by Halomonas alkaliantarctica utilizing dairy waste as feedstock
Summary
Researchers found that a salt-tolerant Antarctic bacterium called Halomonas alkaliantarctica can convert cheese whey — a dairy industry waste product — into polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a biodegradable plastic alternative, producing up to 0.42 g/L without any additional nutrients, offering a dual benefit of waste valorization and sustainable bioplastic production.
Currently, the global demand for polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) is significantly increasing. PHAs are produced by several bacteria that are an alternative source of synthetic polymers derived from petrochemical refineries. This study established a simple and more feasible process of PHA production by Halomonas alkaliantarctica using dairy waste as the only carbon source. The data confirmed that the analyzed halophile could metabolize cheese whey (CW) and cheese whey mother liquor (CWML) into biopolyesters. The highest yield of PHAs was 0.42 g/L in the cultivation supplemented with CWML. Furthermore, it was proved that PHA structure depended on the type of by-product from cheese manufacturing, its concentration, and the culture time. The results revealed that H. alkaliantarctica could produce P(3HB-co-3HV) copolymer in the cultivations with CW at 48 h and 72 h without adding of any precursors. Based on the data obtained from physicochemical and thermal analyses, the extracted copolymer was reported to have properties suitable for various applications. Overall, this study described a promising approach for valorizing of dairy waste as a future strategy of industrial waste management to produce high value microbial biopolymers.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Bioconversion of whey to Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA): Process Optimization and Yield Enhancement
Researchers investigated the microbial biosynthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoate using cheese whey as a substrate with a novel Stutzerimonas stutzeri strain, optimising the process to enhance PHA yield as a biodegradable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics.
Optimized Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) Production by Moderately Haloalkaliphilic Bacterium Halomonas alkalicola Ext
Researchers isolated a salt- and alkali-tolerant bacterium from a Kenyan lake and optimized its production of the biodegradable polymer PHBV as an alternative to conventional plastics. Through systematic optimization of growth conditions, they achieved a polymer yield of over 45% of the bacterial cell mass. The study demonstrates that extremophilic microorganisms can serve as efficient producers of biodegradable plastics suitable for packaging and biomedical applications.
A polyhydroxyalkanoate synthesised by halophilic archaeon Natrialba swarupiae
A salt-loving archaeal microorganism (Natrialba swarupiae) was found capable of producing polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a type of biodegradable bioplastic. This expands the range of microbes that can be used for sustainable plastic production, with potential to reduce reliance on petroleum-based plastics.
The synthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoates from low carbon wastewater under anaerobic-microaerobic process: effects of pH and nitrogen and phosphorus limitation
Researchers optimized conditions for producing polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) — biodegradable bioplastics — from wastewater using bacteria under anaerobic-microaerobic conditions. Controlling pH and nutrient levels significantly improved PHA production yield. This work advances the development of sustainable plastic alternatives made from waste materials.
Production of the Polyhydroxyalkanoate PHBV from Ricotta Cheese Exhausted Whey by Haloferax mediterranei Fermentation
Researchers developed a biotechnological process combining membrane filtration and fermentation using Haloferax mediterranei to produce the biodegradable bioplastic PHBV from ricotta cheese exhausted whey. The study demonstrated a circular economy approach that valorises dairy industry wastewater as a feedstock for producing biodegradable plastic alternatives to petroleum-derived polymers.