Synthesis and production of polyhydroxyalkanoates by halophiles: current potential and future prospects

摘要: Biodegradable materials with plastic or elastomeric properties are in great demand for a variety of applications. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), polyesters synthesized by microorganisms, possess such desired features. Industrial production PHAs is currently achieved using recombinant Escherichia coli. Nevertheless, recent research on halophiles, salt requiring has shown remarkable potential biotechnological PHAs. The halophilic archaeon Haloferax mediterranei accumulates co-polymer, i.e., poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) large amounts glucose, starch, and hydrolyzed whey as carbon sources. Chemical composition molecular weight produced H. can be modified depending the substrate utilized precursor. Phylogenetic studies haloarchaeal enzymes able to polymerize components (i.e., PHA synthases) reveal novel cluster, close relationship polymerases bacteria archaea found marine-related niches. On other hand, sequences synthases two more closely affiliated Proteobacteria. Several bacterial species family Halomonadaceae accumulate Halomonas boliviensis reached yields volumetric productivities highest reported so far. Furthermore, co-produce osmolytes, ectoines hydroxyectoine, one process.