Enhanced biosynthesis of Polyhydroxyalkanoates by continuous feeding of volatile fatty acids in Haloferax mediterranei

Mariana Parroquin Gonzalez, James Winterburn

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

In this work, the biosynthesis of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) in Haloferax mediterranei was enhanced by continuous feeding of volatile fatty acids. Using this strategy, polymer production was doubled to around 5 g L–1 PHBV when compared to pulse-fed fed-batch fermentations. Polymer productivity and yield increased up to 12.8 mg L–1 h–1 and 0.63 g g–1 respectively when the carbon concentration in the fermentation media was kept constant at 0.25 molar. This biopolymer production was achieved in less than half the time when compared to pulse feeding, effectively quadrupling the overall PHA productivity. Control over co-polymer composition was achieved and maintained at around 40 mol% 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV). A correlation between substrate consumption and cell growth was observed, providing a crucial tool for feeding rate selection in future fermentations. The higher productivity and yield obtained with the novel feeding strategy will be key to future industrial scale PHA production.
Original languageEnglish
JournalBiochemical Engineering Journal
Publication statusAccepted/In press - 12 Dec 2021

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