Optimization and Characterization of Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) Production from Bacillus thuringiensis: A Sustainable Approach to Biodegradable Polymer Synthesis

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a naturally existing, biodegradable polymer accumulated as intracellular granules by various bacteria. The research centers around Bacillus thuringiensis SWPHB1, an isolated bacterial strain exhibiting notable prowess in PHB synthesis. The investigation strategically optimizes multiple culture conditions, uncovering that the bacterial strain attains peak PHB production at 35°C and pH 7, with glucose and ammonium nitrate serving as optimal carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. The thorough characterization of the PHB produced by the strain employs sophisticated techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. These analyses collectively unveil crucial insights into the morphological attributes, elemental composition, and chemical structure of the PHB. The results not only emphasize the PHB-producing capabilities of Bacillus thuringiensis SWPHB1 but also highlight the significance of optimizing culture conditions for enhanced bioplastic yield.