Tailored biopolymer production from waste streams: low-cost value added bioprocessing

The production of biodegradable plastics such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from sustainable feedstocks is becoming increasingly relevant as crude oil supplies are depleting and synthetic plastic pollution is increasing. However, in order to render the production of PHAs environmentally viable methods must be developed to reduce its brittleness and replace the use of organic and halogenated solvents. The current project aims to improve the properties of biologically produced PHA using a combination of genetic and metabolic engineering. In addition, the project aims to conduct research into the utilisation and optimisation of waste glycerol from the biodiesel industry as a cost effective feedstock. A third aspect of the project will investigate safer and more cost effective alternatives to conventional PHA extraction which utilities solvents such as chloroform.