ARS | Publication request: BIODEGRADATION OF POLY (3-HYDROXYBUTYRATE-C0-3-HYDROXYVALERATE) BY A TROPICAL MARINE BACTERIUM, PSEUDOALTEROMONAS SP. NRRL B-30083

Submitted to: Polymers And The Environment
Publication Acceptance Date: April 16, 2001
Publication Date: N/A

Interpretive Summary: New uses and markets are needed for agricultural commodities and residues. One important potential market is biodegradable plastics. Because the disposal of plastics at sea is restricted by U.S. law and international treaty, biodegradable plastics are attractive for maritime operations. However, information is needed about the fate of bioplastics in marine environments. We isolated and characterized a novel bacterium as the predominant bioplastic degrader from tropical ocean waters. Results will be of value to researchers developing and testing bioplastics for maritime use. Suitable bioplastics will serve as value-added coproducts, benefitting agricultural producers and processors.

Technical Abstract: Pseudoalteromonas sp. NRRL B-30083 was isolated as the predominant PHBV-degrading organism from a tropical marine environment. In complex medium, the isolate grew well at temperatures between 23 deg C and 33 deg C, with an optimal doubling time of about 30 min. NaCl was required at concentrations between 0.2 N and 0.8 N. Optimal pH levels for growth were between pH 6.5 and pH 8.5. Liquid cultures grew modestly on PHBV as a sol carbon source under optimal conditions, although PHBV depolymerase activity was not detected.