Spheroplast formation in Ralstonia eutropha and Zooglea ramigera and the qualitative effect on PHB granule formation : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

Abstract

The United States is a leading producer of the world's municipal solid waste much of which is non-biodegradable plastic. The waste plastic contributes to the rising cost of waste management and has a negative impact on the environment. The use of biodegradable plastics such as polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) could reduce waste management costs and environmental damage. Unfortunately the cost of PHB production is higher than the cost of petroplastic production, so there are few providers of this alternative. The cost of PHB production could be reduced by growing PHB producing microorganisms such as Ralstonia eutropha and Zooglea ramigera as spheroplasts. Spheroplasts of these organisms were induced in an isotonic broth by treating shake-flask cultures with penicillin g or lysozyme. Growth of each organism in this broth was compared to growth in broth without 2%NaCl, and PHB granules were observed in each organism taken from either broth.