Abstract
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► 3HHx content of 70mol% was produced using CPKO at a concentration of 2.5g/L. ► Time profile demonstrated high PHA content at the early stationary growth phase. ► PHA synthase activity showed intermediate levels of activity of 577U/mL. ► High 3HHx monomer fraction demonstrated soft and flexible mechanical properties.
The potential of plant oils as sole carbon sources for production of P(3HB-co-3HHx) copolymer containing a high 3HHx monomer fraction using the recombinant Cupriavidus necator strain Re2160/pCB113 has been investigated. Various types and concentrations of plant oils were evaluated for efficient conversion of P(3HB-co-3HHx) copolymer. Crude palm kernel oil (CPKO) at a concentration of 2.5g/L was found to be most suitable for production of copolymer with a 3HHx content of approximately 70mol%. The time profile of these cells was also examined in order to study the trend of 3HHx monomer incorporation, PHA production and PHA synthase activity. 1H NMR and 13C NMR analyses confirmed the presence of P(3HB-co-3HHx) copolymer containing a high 3HHx monomer fraction, in which monomers were not randomly distributed. The results of various characterization analyses revealed that the copolymers containing a high 3HHx monomer fraction demonstrated soft and flexible mechanical properties.