Screening and optimization of Poly Hydroxy Butyrate (PHB), using Eichhornia crassipes as substrate by Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis

Abstract

Eichhornia crassipes or water hyacinth-derived sugar molecules can be converted into PHB, a material for making biodegradable plastic. Making PHB from natural resources can reduce cost and harmful gas emissions. In our research PHB production was done by Solid Surface Fermentation and Submerge Fermentation technics for Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis using Eichhornia crassipes as a substrate. The production of PHB was optimized at different incubation time, pH and N2 rate source. The higher production of PHB for B. subtilis was obtained by Submerge Fermentation and for Bacillus cereus by Solid Surface Fermentation. The present study proves that E. crassipes can be applied for PHB production at the presence of B. cereus and B. subtilis.