Bioprocess optimization of PHB production utilizing agro (sago) waste as a sustainable substrate by the native isolate, Bacillus cereus

Abstract Microbial synthesis of polyhydroxyalkanotes (PHA), the eco-friendly biopolymers are gaining more attention towards restricting the environmental pollution by substituting conventional non-biodegradable petroleum-based plastics. The current study was aimed to economize the polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) production by optimizing the production media using sago waste, as a substrate and cheapest carbon source, by Bacillus cereus a native isolate obtained from soil where sago waste is disposed in and around Salem District, Tamil Nadu, India. PHB production media was optimized by Placket Burman design and Box Benhen design (pH (X1 = 7.07) temperature (X2 = 36.36°C) sago waste (X3 = 19.7g/l)) and observed a maximum OD values of 2.006 in shake flask culture. The dry weight of PHB extracted under optimized condition was also measured by chloroform extraction method and it was found to be 5.2g/l. In addition, Fourier- transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thin layer chromatography (TLC) and Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed the characteristic features of PHB polymer. Thus this study concludes that the utilization of sage waste for synthesis of value-added products, PHB will not only help in reducing the cost of PHB production process, but also assist to manage the problem associated with solid waste disposal.