title: Accumulation of Poly (beta-Hydroxybutyrate) by Halobacteria.
abstract: Some species of extremely halophilic archaebacteria, Halobacteriaceae, have been shown to accumulate large amounts of poly (beta-hydroxybutyrate) under conditions of nitrogen limitation and abundant carbon source. The production of poly (beta-hydroxybutyrate), at least in large quantities, was restricted to two carbohydrate-utilizing species, Halobacterium mediterranei and H. volcanii. In addition to the nutrients in the media, the salt concentration also influenced poly (beta-hydroxybutyrate) accumulation, which was greater at lower salt concentrations. The possible application of these microorganisms for the production of biodegradable plastics is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante, and Instituto de Plásticos y Caucho, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fernandez-Castillo
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rodriguez-Valera
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gonzalez-Ramos
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ruiz-Berraquero