Dear Researchers,
I'm engaged in research related to the isolation, synthesis, and characterization of bacterial polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). I've carefully followed solvent extraction method (using chloroform in soxhlet system) for PHB extraction and purification. But the PHB extract comes in a semi-viscous form, not a powdery one. I have used the same material for FTIR and GCMS and confirmed that PHB is present in the isolated biopolymer. Due to the extracted PHB's semi-viscous state, I'm currently unable to move on with other analyses like XRD, TGA, DSC, NMR, etc. In the presence of chloroform, I am also unable to make the PHB film using the solvent casting process. A substance with a texture resembling honey is left behind on the glass slide after the chloroform component is removed, preventing me from moving further with the next characterization procedures. So please advise/direct me on how to get beyond these challenges. Your thoughtful help in this matter will be greatly appreciated.
Dear Shiva Aley Acharjee
Pseudomonas spp. usually produce medium-chain-length PHA, not P(3HB).
Which microbial strain, accumulation condition and carbon source have you used? You can check accumulation on plates using Sudan Black B or Nile Red staining.
It's Pseudomonas lactis and glucose has been used as carbon source. I have screened using Sudan black B and it has retained bluish black. Moreover, FTIR and GCMS analysis have confirmed the presence of PHA. However, the extract is not in powdery form@Edmar Ramos Oliveira-Filho
Hi Shiva Aley Acharjee
It should be producing medium-chain-length PHA, which can be like rubber depending on the composition.
The extraction method herein described should be useful: Article A non-naturally-occurring P(3HB- co -3HA MCL ) is produced b...
You can also determine the monomeric composition by acid propanolisis, also described in this manuscript.
All the best
Thank you so much for the suggestion. I'm glad that you have replied my query. (@ Edmar Ramos Oliveira-Filho)
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