Analysis of different nutritional limitation in the cellular growth and polyhydroxyalkanoates production by Ralstonia eutropha

• Grant number: 19/01232-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2019
• End date: December 31, 2019
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Biology and Physiology of Microorganisms
• Principal Investigator: José Gregório Cabrera Gomez
• Grantee: Ingrid Rodrigues de Oliveira
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biopolymers produced by some bacteria as a reserve material of carbon and energy. Due to their thermoplastic properties they are excellent candidates for the substitution of the petrochemical polymers, with the advantage of being biodegradable and can be generated from renewable raw materials. They are suitable for many applications, even in the medical field. The production of PHAs occurs more intensely when the bacteria grow in a medium that contains excess carbon source and limiting some important nutrient for cell growth. The limitations in nitrogen or phosphorus were the most studied, however the study of limitations in other nutrients may allow a better understanding of the bacterial responses to the different situations, some similar to those found in the environment or even in the pathogen-host relationship. Ralstonia eutropha is one of the most studied bacteria in relation to PHA production, so it is a study model. In this project, the effect of different nutritional limitations on cell growth and production of PHAs by R. eutropha will be evaluated. In addition, it is intended a better understanding of the effect of nutritional limitations, which must alter the cellular composition, in the metabolic capacities of the cell.