MICROBIOLOGICAL PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF POLY (BETA-HYDROXYBUTYRIC ACID) AND MICRO-ORGANISMS FOR USE THEREIN

摘要

Poly(3-hydroxybutyric acid), PHB, is produced by the aerobic culture of Methylobacterium organophilum strains NCIB 11482 to 11488 inclusive on a carbon source such as methanol. Accumulation of PHB is favoured by culturing in two stages; the first stage is conducted in the presence of an adequate supply of nitrogen and phosphorus and the second stage is conducted under nitrogen and/or phosphorus starvation conditions. Pure cultures of the micro-organism strains are also claimed.