Application of Weighted Response Surface Methodology for Enhanced Poly (3-Hydroxybutyrate) Production by Endophytic Bacillus Cereus RCL 02

Research on biodegradable biopolymers has been increasing rapidly during the past few decades due to the environmental concerns related to plastic pollution. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), the structurally versatile, biodegradable polyoxoesters produced by diverse group of microorganisms as intracellular storage granules have material properties similar to thermoplastics and identified as a promising substitute for conventional petrochemical plastics. The biosynthesis, biodegradation, physico-chemical properties, application and biological functions of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)], the most common PHA have been extensively studied [1]. Despite huge potential for eco-benign applications, P(3HB) could not gain substantial consideration due to its low yield and expensive production cost. To make the PHA based bioplastic production economically viable and competitive with petroleum based thermoplastics, constant efforts are being made to find newer high-yielding microbial strains, relatively cheaper substrates and also to develop low-cost production strategies.