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- Title
Potassium deficiency results in accumulation of ultra-high molecular weight poly-β-hydroxybutyrate in a methane-utilizing mixed culture.
- Authors
Helm, J.; Wendlandt, K.-D.; Jechorek, M.; Stottmeister, U.
- Abstract
Aims: To investigate the effect of various single nutrient deficiencies on poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) biosynthesis in a methane-utilizing mixed culture (dominant species Methylocystis sp. GB 25 DSM 7674). Methods and Results: Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate accumulation experiments were performed in 7 and 70 l bioreactors and initiated by potassium, sulfur or iron deficiency. After 24 h the PHB content reached levels of 33·6%, 32·6% and 10·4% respectively. Interestingly a polymer with an ultra-high average-weight molecular weight (Mw) of 3·1 MDa was accumulated under potassium-limited conditions. When sulfur and iron were lacking Mw were lower by 20·6 and 41·6%. Potassium-deficiency experiments were furthermore characterized by a maximum specific PHB formation rate 0·08 g g−1residual biomass (R) h−1 and a yield coefficient of 0·45 g PHB g−1 CH4. Conclusions: Biosynthesis of an ultra-high Mw PHB in a methane-utilizing mixed culture can be induced by potassium deficiency. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study greatly extends the knowledge in the field of bacterial biopolymer formation with gaseous substrates. The special system used here combines the use of methane a low-cost substrate available from natural and renewable sources with the possibility of employing a mixed-culture in an open system for the synthesis of a high-value product.
- Subjects
POTASSIUM deficiency diseases; BIOSYNTHESIS; METHANE; POLYMERS; SULFUR; BIOCHEMISTRY; BIOREACTORS; BIOCHEMICAL engineering; POLY-beta-hydroxybutyrate
- Publication
Journal of Applied Microbiology, 2008, Vol 105, Issue 4, p1054
- ISSN
1364-5072
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/j.1365-2672.2008.03831.x