Phbco4hb biopolymer production using engineered bacillus and agricultural waste
Genetically engineered Bacillus strain produces PHBco4HB biopolymer from agricultural waste. The biopolymer exhibits versatile mechanical properties and is produced without inducers or antibiotics. Seeking partners for fermentation scale-up and process optimization.
Overview
The Universitat de Barcelona has developed a novel method for producing PHBco4HB, a valuable biopolymer with diverse mechanical properties, using an engineered Bacillus strain. This strain utilizes agricultural waste such as starch, molasses, and glycerol, offering an economical and sustainable production alternative. PHBco4HB can range from hard crystalline plastics to elastic rubbers, depending on the composition, making it suitable for various applications.
Technical specifications
- Genetic Engineering: Utilizes CRISPR-Cas9 technology to engineer Bacillus sp. for efficient PHBco4HB production.
- Production: High titers of biopolymer achieved without inducers or antibiotics.
- Feedstock: Utilizes renewable agricultural wastes, enhancing economic viability.
- Property Variation: Capable of adjusting 4HB content from 10% to 50% to tailor mechanical properties.
- Cell Morphology: Enhanced cell size for increased biopolymer accumulation.
Technology readiness level
Currently at TRL 3, this technology has been validated at an erlenmeyer scale. Future plans include scaling up to fermentor scale to optimize production conditions and develop an autolysis system for easier biopolymer recovery. The project seeks partnerships to support scale-up and further development.
About Universitat de Barcelona
The Universitat de Barcelona is a large, comprehensive public research university with an urban footprint across the city and a strong international profile. Industry connects through a university‑affiliated science and technology park that co‑locates companies with academic groups, providing shared labs, prototyping and pilot‑scale facilities, and on‑site incubation. Clinical translation is enabled by integration with leading teaching hospitals, and proximity to Barcelona’s innovation districts and global transport links supports collaboration with multinational R&D teams. Research is backed by competitive European Union programs and Spanish and Catalan public funding, and a dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, startup formation, and collaboration agreements.
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