Optimization of PHA production from waste frying oil by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract

The increasing amount of plastic waste and its negative impact on the environment has led to the development of biodegradable plastics, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). PHA is a biodegradable polyester synthesized by bacteria and has garnered attention as a solution to the plastic waste problem. In this study, we aimed to optimize PHA production from waste frying oil using Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We compared the PHA production of P. aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis, the two screened microorganisms, using different carbon sources including rice bran, paddy husk, pigeon pea waste, sugarcane bagasse, and waste frying oil. Our results showed that P. aeruginosa produced more PHA than B. subtilis, and waste frying oil was the most effective carbon source. Moreover, increasing the concentration of hydrolyzed carbon source led to higher PHA production. We confirmed our findings through nitrogen estimation, microscopic observation, and gas chromatography analysis. Our study suggests that PHA can be produced from waste frying oil by P. aeruginosa with high efficiency, proving promising for its potential use as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics.