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This novel method makes use of selection pressures to maintain microbial communities capable of producing PHAs.
About
Background: Stanford researchers have developed a method of producing bioplastics using bioplastic polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), such as polydroxybutyrate (PHB), that are sythesized from methane or from volatile fatty acids using a novel bioreactor design that does not require sterilization or pure cultures, but instead makes use of selection pressures to maintain microbial communities capable of producing PHAs. Applications: To produce polyhydroxyalkanoate-based bioplastics and/or resins for use in biocomposites Advantages: Lower cost than previous methods of production of bioplastics, allowing for pricing that would be more competitive with petrochemical-based plastics Bioreactors that can operate under conditions that select against microorganisms that do not produce PHA will enable non-strerile production of PHAs and, over the long term, tend to select for organisms that can store PHAs at high levels. Under anaerobic landfill conditions, PHB bioplastics and biocomposites rapidly biodegrade to methane, extending landfill life and completing a cradle-to-cradle cycle that eliminates downcycling and creates incentives for capture and reuse of methane.