METHODS FOR PRODUCING MEDIUM CHAIN POLYHYDROXYALKANOATES (PHA) USING VEGETABLE OILS AS CARBON SOURCE

摘要

The present invention describes efficient and low cost fermentation methods for the efficient production of medium chain poli-3-hydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), which comprise the growth of microorganisms producing PHAs using vegetable oils as carbon source, either in the presence or absence of saccharide. The methods of the invention comprise producing biomass in batch culture, subsequently producing biomass in fedbatch culture by means of the addition of saccharide and a nitrogen source to the culture medium and finally producing PHAs by means of the addition of vegetal oil as carbon source with limitation of nitrogen or phosphorus. By means of the method of the invention, at least 90% in dry weight of medium chain PHAs with respect to dry biomass is obtained from the culture medium, presenting from 5 to 10% of medium chain monomeric units in their structure.