XXXV Reunião Anual da SBBqResumoID:8245


Identification of the Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) Produced by Bacillus cereus Isolated from Atlantic Forest Soil

Freitas, T. P.S.1; Brandt, C.A. 2; Politi, M. J. 3; Vicente, E. J. 1



1Departamento de Microbiologia, ICB-USP, SP; 2Instituto Butantan, SP; 3Departamento de Bioquímica, IQ-USP, SP


Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), reserve material in a wide range of bacteria, are found as insoluble material in the cell cytoplasm. These substances can be produced from several renewable sources and are good candidates thermoplastic elastomer substitute of those derived from crude oil. PHAs are biodegradable and biocompatible polymers that have several potential as packing material, controlled drug release, bone restoration, surgical  materials and so on. Besides, PHAs can also be used as the starting materials for the synthesis of enantiomerically pure chemicals, drugs and insect pheromones. PHAs are usually classified in three classes: short- (C3 to C5), medium- (C6 to C14), and long (C>14) chain lengths. The different monomeric constitutions and the potential of biotechnological applications put this work as part of a bioprospective study of new bacteria producers of PHA isolated from the Atlantic Forest Soil. By qualitative analysis, some bacteria producers of PHAs could be isolated. Following a highlighted microorganism was isolated and, by sequencing and analysis of 16S rDNA methodology, it was identified as Bacillus cereus. For analysis of the biopolymers produced by this cell, mineral salt media with 2% of different carbon sources (sucrose, cassava flour, soy flour, starch and glucose) were used. The biopolymers produced in the different media had been hydrolyzed (propanolysis method) and analyzed by the techniques of CG/MS and NMR of protons and carbon.

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