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The co-conversion of methane and mixtures of volatile fatty acids into poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) expands the potential of an integrated biorefinery
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Researchers used a methane-consuming bacterium to simultaneously convert natural gas and food waste byproducts into PHBV, a biodegradable plastic alternative, achieving yields that varied depending on the mix of waste acids supplied. This integrated biorefinery approach could reduce reliance on conventional petroleum-based plastics by making biodegradable polymers from waste streams.
In this work, the potential of Methylocystis hirsuta to simultaneously use methane and volatile fatty acids mixtures for triggering PHBV accumulation was assessed for the first time batchwise. Biotic controls carried out with CH4 alone confirmed the inability of Methylocystis hirsuta to produce PHBV and achieved 71.2 ± 7 g m-3d-1 of PHB. Pure valeric acid and two synthetic mixtures simulating VFAs effluents from the anaerobic digestion of food waste at 35 °C (M1) and 55 °C (M2) were supplied to promote 3-HV inclusion. Results showed that pure valeric acid supported the highest polymer yields of 105.8 ± 9 g m-3d-1 (3-HB:3-HV=70:30). M1 mixtures led to a maximum of 103 ± 4 g m-3d-1 of PHBV (3-HB:3-HV=85:15), while M2 mixtures, which did not include valeric acid, showed no PHV synthesis. This suggested that the synthesis of PHBV from VFAs effluents depends on the composition of the mixtures, which can be tuned during the anaerobic digestion process.
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Isolation and characterisation of Methylocystis spp. for poly-3-hydroxybutyrate production using waste methane feedstocks
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Researchers isolated two new strains of methane-eating bacteria capable of converting waste methane gas — from landfills and digesters — into poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), a biodegradable plastic alternative. This dual approach could simultaneously reduce greenhouse gas emissions and produce an eco-friendly substitute for conventional petroleum-based plastics.
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This review examines PHBV, a biodegradable plastic made by bacteria from food waste, as a potential replacement for conventional petroleum-based plastics. Unlike traditional plastics that break down into persistent microplastics, PHBV can fully decompose in natural environments and be recycled in a circular economy. Switching to biodegradable alternatives like PHBV could help reduce the ongoing buildup of microplastic pollution that threatens human health.
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This review covers recent advances in using bacteria to convert industrial food waste into polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a type of biodegradable bioplastic. Using industrial waste as feedstock for bioplastic production could reduce both plastic pollution and food industry waste simultaneously.
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Researchers isolated bacteria capable of producing polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) — a biodegradable biopolymer that could substitute for conventional petroleum-based plastics — from wastewater sludge and cow dung. The most productive bacterial strain was identified as a new variant of Bacillus megaterium. Developing inexpensive microbial routes to biodegradable plastics from waste feedstocks could help reduce dependence on conventional plastics and lessen microplastic pollution.
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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.
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