Synthesis of PHAs using Sucrose and Decanoic acid by Pseudomonas Putida Bacteria: A Dual Carbon Approach

Abstract

While threatening human health through airborne pollutants, contaminated drinking water, and microplastic exposure, conventional plastics made from petrochemicals create serious risks for terrestrial, marine, and atmospheric ecosystems. During of the COVID-19 epidemic, the demand for sustainable alternatives has been increased, therefore increasing the importance of biodegradable plastics as there was more need of plastics materials in especially in medicals. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), well-known for their biodegradability, renewability, biocompatibility, and thermoplastic elastomeric qualities, have become specially produced material as the substitutes of conventional plastic. Particularly interesting for commercial purposes among these are medium-chain-length PHAs (mcl-PHAs), generated by bacteria like Pseudomonas species. Using dual carbon substrates including sucrose and decanoic acid, this work seeks to maximize mcl-PHA synthesis via fed-batch fermentation with Pseudomonas putida. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) helped to reach optimization by focusing on carbon substrate and nitrogen source levels as critical parameters. Gas chromatography- mass spectrometry (GCMS) and FTIR was used to identify the generated mcl-PHAs, which showed a major composition of 3-hydroxydecanoate and 3-hydroxyundecanoate as well as traces of 3- hydroxydedecanoate and 3-hydroxyhexonate monomers, therefore verifying their medium chain length synthesis. RSM optimization analysis verified results showing a startling 68% rise in mcl- PHA yield above baseline levels. These results show the potential of this combined technique for scaled, environmentally friendly biopolymer manufacture, therefore providing a sustainable road to reduce the ecological effects of traditional polymers.