ISOLATION, SCREENING, AND QUANTIFICATION OF POLYHYDROXYALKANOATES (PHA) PRODUCING BACTERIA AIDED BY FTIR ANALYSIS

Microorganisms produce copious macromolecules, many of which harbor tremendous biotechnological potential. One such macromolecule is polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). PHA is chosen as an alternative for the production of biodegradable polymers due to their quick degradability under natural environmental conditions. The objectives of this study were to identify potential PHA-producing bacteria and quantify the PHA production. Among 12 isolates that were isolated along the Tithal region, Gujarat; 4 PHA accumulating isolates were selected and evaluated for their potential to accumulate PHB granules within the cells. TS-1, TW-4, TW-9, and TS-16 were able to accumulate 39.68%, 43.35%, 80%, and 62% PHAs respectively. The bacteria were screened using the Sudan Black B method while for confirmatory screening Nile Red method was carried out. PHA was extracted using the sodium hypochlorite method. Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) confirmation results of the extracted and crude PHA identified its functional groups as CH2, CH3, C-O, C=O, and alkyl halide. Research into the development of ecofriendly biopolymer materials has been sparked by the global reliance on petroleum byproducts for the manufacture of plastics, the lack of disposal space, and growing environmental concerns over synthetic plastics. In light of this, research has focused on the synthesis of PHAs that has received the most attention.