Enhanced production of SCL-LCL-PHA co-polymer by sludge-isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 7925

Aim: To boost short‐chain‐length‐long‐chain‐length polyhydroxyalkanoate (SCL‐LCL‐PHA) co‐polymer yield in Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 7925 by manipulating culture conditions. Methods and Results: Stationary phase culture of P. aeruginosa MTCC 7925 was subjected to various doses of different carbons and, N and P deficiencies. Enhanced co‐polymer yield was recorded under ethanol‐ and glucose‐supplemented cultures. Interaction of ethanol with N‐deficiency boosted co‐polymer accumulation maximally. Conclusions: The sludge‐isolated P. aeruginosa MTCC 7925 demonstrated good capability to synthesize SCL‐LCL‐PHA co‐polymer from unrelated carbon sources. Supplementation of ethanol under N‐deficiency boosted the co‐polymer yield up to 69% of dry cell weight, which is significantly higher when compared with other SCL‐MCL‐PHA co‐polymer accumulating bacterial species. Significance and Importance of the Study: This is the first report on P. aeruginosa MTCC 7925, which is capable of accumulating LCL 3‐hydroxyhexadecanoate and 3‐hydroxyoctadecanoate units with SCL 3‐hydroxybutyrate and 3‐hydroxyvalerate as constituents of PHAs. This opens up new possibilities for various industrial applications owing to the superior properties of this new co‐polymer.