Enhanced poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate accumulation in a unicellular cyanobacterium, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803.
OBJECTIVE
To stimulate poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) accumulation in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 by manipulating culture conditions.


RESULTS
Stationary phase cultures of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 were subjected to N- and P-deficiency, chemoheterotrophy and limitations of gas-exchange. Enhanced PHB accumulation was observed under all the above conditions. However, interaction of P-deficiency with gas-exchange limitation (GEL) in the presence of exogenous carbon boosted PHB accumulation maximally.


CONCLUSIONS
Combined effects of P-deficiency and GEL boosted PHB accumulation up to 38% (w/w) of dry cell weight (dcw) in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 in the presence of fructose and acetate. This value is about eightfold higher as compared with the accumulation under photoautotrophic growth condition.


CONCLUSIONS
These results showed a good potential of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 in accumulating poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate, an appropriate raw material for biodegradable and biocompatible plastic. Poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate could be an important material for plastic and pharmaceutical industries.
Panda
B
B
Agricultural and Food Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur-721302, West Bengal, India.
Mallick
N
N
D006885:Hydroxybutyrates / Q000378:metabolism*; D010100:Oxygen / Q000032:analysis; D011091:Polyesters / Q000378:metabolism*; D046939:Synechocystis / Q000378:metabolism*; D000094122:Polyhydroxybutyrates
D006885:Hydroxybutyrates; D010100:Oxygen; D011091:Polyesters; C003182:poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate; D000094122:Polyhydroxybutyrates