Production of bioplastics (PHB) using waste paper as feed stock by Cupriavidus taiwanensis

Plastics are widely used for in variety of applications in modern society. However, these synthetic polymers are not biodegradable and pose a global waste management challenge. Polyhydroxy butyrate (PHB) granule is a biodegradable and biocompatible plastic seen as intracellular reserve granules by many bacteria during adverse conditions. PHB has versatile properties like solubility in water, oxygen permeability, UV resistance, biocompatible etc. hence it is ideal for medical applications. Biopolymer producing bacteria was isolated from rhizosphere soil samples of leguminous plants. From the seven different bacterial were obtained from agricultural fields, the most efficient isolate was identified as Cupriavidus taiwanensis LMG 19424 by molecular characterisation. The target of the present work is the isolation and identification of microorganisms producing PHB from rhizosphere soil, chemical characterization of the PHB polymer and optimization of acid hydrolysis conditions for maximum production of PHB using waste paper as substrate. The high yield of bacterial cultures combined with its ability to grow in a range of environment make them the most versatile feedstock for plastic production. The bioplastics such as PHB can reduce the amount of plastic waste, and also helps in the efficient management of paper waste if they are used as a feedstock.