Low-Cost Production of Poly Hydroxy Butyrate (PHB) from Taro (Colocasia esculenta) Using Bacillus megaterium MTCC 6544: A Step Towards Sustainable Bioplastics

Abstract Bioplastics can provide notable environmental benefits compared with traditional plastics derived from fossil fuels, such as using renewable feedstocks, lowering carbon emissions, and being biodegradable. Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), a biopolymer synthesized by several microorganisms, is biocompatible and recyclable and can be used in medicine, packaging, and agriculture. This research examined PHB synthesis by Bacillus megaterium MTCC 6544 using taro (Colocasia esculenta) as an inexpensive substrate. Acid hydrolysis of taro raised its cellulose content to 84.20%. The highest PHB yield was obtained at pH 7 and 35°C. Thermogravimetric analysis showed a peak temperature of 259.8°C, and DTA indicated a melting point of 256°C with thermal decomposition at 287°C. Overall, the findings indicate that Colocasia esculenta is a suitable and low-cost feedstock for producing PHB.