초록
<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) belongs to a class of polyhydroxyalkanoates that are synthesized by prokaryotic microbes and serve as intracellular carbon and energy storage compounds. PHB-based plastics offer several advantages over conventional petroleum-based synthetic plastics, like biodegradability, renewability and low carbon footprints among others, thus promulgating a biobased market from niche to high volume applications. Considerable industrial interests exist in PHB; their cost of production is a major limiting factor. The present work focuses on the development of an economically viable glycerol-based method for PHB production, drawing on statistical and mechanistic models. An enhanced growth-associated PHB content of 40% (wt/wt) and cell biomass of 1.35 g/L were obtained at a glycerol concentration of 40 g/L in the model guided constant fed-batch strategy. This study facilitates an alternative bioprocess for sustainable production of high-value bioplastics.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Batch statistical and mechanical models for the Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) production were developed. </LI> <LI> A kinetic model was extended to fed-batch for enhanced PHB production. </LI> <LI> The proposed model helped in designing various nutrients feeding regimes. </LI> <LI> Cultivation at constant feeding showed a 5.4 fold higher PHBV concentration. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>