Production of biopolyhydroxyalkanoates

Abstract

This work focuses on developing high productivity and economically viable processes for the production of biopolyesters with potential uses in biomedical fields. High cell density fed-batch cultures of Cupriavidus necator on waste glycerol were used to produce the copolymer P(3HB-co-4HB). The incorporation of 4HB monomers within the polymeric chain was achieved through the concomitant feeding of gamma-butyrolactone (GBL). Acetic and propionic acid were tested as stimulators to enhance 4HB incorporation. When propionic acid was used, a terpolymer P(3HB-co-4HB-co-3HV) was originated. P(3HB-co-4HB) copolymers with molar % of 4HB from 1.8 % to 12.3 % were produced with productivities between 0.09 gP(3HB–4HB). L⁻¹.h⁻¹ and 0.79 gP(3HB–4HB) L⁻¹.h⁻¹.