Biodegradable Plastics Produced by Microorganisms

Gunjan Mehta, Virani Science College Rajkot

Overview

Background Importance and Applications Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) PHA Biosynthesis PHA Recovery Polymer Properties Biodegradation

Background

What are Bioplastics?

Degradable polymers that are naturally degraded by the action of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and algae
100 % biodegradable Produced from natural, renewable resources Able to be recycled, composted or burned without producing toxic byproducts

Benefits Include:

Importance

2003- North America

107 billion pounds of synthetic plastics produced from petroleum Take >50 years to degrade Improper disposal and failure to recycle overflowing landfills

Applications

Industry

Products, films, paper laminates & sheets, bags and containers Automobiles
Sutures, ligament replacements, controlled drug release mechanisms, arterial grafts Disposable razors, utensils, diapers, feminine hygiene products, containers

Medical

Household

Carbon Cycle of Bioplastics

Photosynthesis
CO2 H2O

Biodegradation

Plants Carbohydrates Fermentation

Recycle

Plastic Products

PHA Polymer

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs)

Polyesters accumulated inside microbial cells as carbon & energy source storage

Ojumu et al., 2004

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs)

Produced under conditions of:

Low limiting nutrients (P, S, N, O) Excess carbon Short-chain-length Medium-chain-length 3-5 Carbons 6-14 Carbons

2 different types:

~250 different bacteria have been found to produce some form of PHAs

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)

Example of short-chainlength PHA Produced in activated sludge Found in Alcaligenes

eutrophus

Accumulated intracellularly as granules (>80% cell dry weight)

Lee et al., 1996

PHA Biosynthesis

Ojumu et al., 2004

phbC-A-B Operon in A. eutrophus

Structural genes encoded in single operon

PHA synthase b-ketothiolase NADPH-dependent acetoacetyl-CoA reductase

Lee et al., 1996

Recovery of PHAs from Cells

PHA producing microorganisms stained with Sudan black or Nile blue Cells separated out by centrifugation or filtration PHA is recovered using solvents (chloroform) to break cell wall & extract polymer Purification of polymer

Bioplastic Properties

Some are stiff and brittle

Crystalline structure rigidity

Some are rubbery and moldable Properties may be manipulated by blending polymers or genetic modifications Degrades at 185C Moisture resistant, water insoluble, optically pure, impermeable to oxygen Must maintain stability during manufacture and use but degrade rapidly when disposed of or recycled

Biodegradation

Fastest in anaerobic sewage and slowest in seawater Depends on temperature, light, moisture, exposed surface area, pH and microbial activity Degrading microbes colonize polymer surface & secrete PHA depolymerases PHA CO2 + H2O (aerobically) PHA CO2 + H2O + CH4 (anaerobically)

Biodegradation by PHA depolymerases

Conclusions

Need for bioplastic optimization:

Economically feasible to produce Cost appealing to consumers Give our landfills a break Show of hands- How many of you would be willing to pay 2-3 times more for plastic products because they were environmentally friendly?

Question:

Questions or Comments?