Production Of Bioplastic (Polyhydroxybutyrate, PHB) Using Bacteria Isolated From Slaughterhouses In Ogwashi-Ukwu Town, Delta State

Abstract

This study was designed to produce bioplastic (Polyhydroxybutyrate, PHB) using bacteria isolated from slaughterhouses in Ogwashi-Ukwu town, Delta State. The collected slaughter house samples were cultured on nutrient agar, incubated at 370C for 48 hrs and later sub cultured on Luria Bertani agar plates. The bioplastic producing bacteria were screened, confirmed using Sudan B black and Nile blue staining techniques, respectively. Classical morphological and biochemical tests were used to identify the five higher reactive bacterial strains as Bacillus spp. These bacterial strains were subjected to different analysis including growth rate, dry weight and residual biomass. The results revealed that most strains (8 out of 10) showed positive results (++ or +) for Sudan Black B staining, indicating the presence of bioplastic. Also, 5 out of 10 strains showed positive results (+ or ++) for Nile Blue staining, indicating the presence of specific types of bioplastics. The consortium of BPO1 and BPO7 showed higher growth (OD600 nm = 1.05) and bioplastic production (PHB = 2.50 g/L) compared to individual strains. The consortium also showed a higher PHB content (62.50% w/w) compared to individual strains. Based on the biochemical characteristics, all isolates were identified as Bacillus sp. The results suggest that the Bacillus sp. isolates may have potential applications in various fields, such as biotechnology or industry.