“Isolation, screening and quantifying of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) using FTIR analysis”

Abstract

Microorganisms produce copious macromolecules, many of which harbor tremendous biotechnological potential. One such macromolecule is polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). It is a key substance formed as inclusion bodies by bacteria to accumulate, and reserve growth materials while confronting various stress conditions. PHA is chosen as an alternative for the production of biodegradable polymers due to their quick degradability under natural environmental conditions. The objectives of this study were to identify prospective PHA-producing bacteria and quantify the PHA production. Among 12 isolates that were isolated along the Tithal region, Gujarat; 4 PHA accumulating isolates were selected and evaluated their potential to accumulate PHB granules within the cells. TS-1, TW-4, TW-9, and TS-16 were able to accumulate 38.94%, 40.0%, 34.61%, and 59.19% PHAs respectively. The bacteria were screened using the Sudan Black B method while for confirmatory screening Nile Red method was carried out. PHA was extracted using the sodium hypochlorite method. Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) confirmation results of the extracted and crude PHA identified its functional units as CH2, CH3, C-O, C = O, and alkyl halide groups. Research into the development of environmentally friendly biopolymer materials has been sparked by the global reliance on petroleum byproducts for the manufacture of plastics, the lack of disposal space, and growing environmental concerns over non-biodegradable synthetic plastics. In light of this, research has focused on the synthesis of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), one of the PHAs that has received the most attention.