USM Lab Test Field

Utilization of Oil Palm Trunk Sap as a Novel Inexpensive Renewable Carbon Feedstock as a Bacterial Growth Medium for the Biosynthesis of Polyhydroxyalkanoates

USM Lab/Test Field

Utilization of Oil Palm Trunk Sap as a Novel Inexpensive Renewable Carbon Feedstock as a Bacterial Growth Medium for the Biosynthesis of Polyhydroxyalkanoates

Objectives:

  • To synthesize P(3HB) and P(3HB-co-3HHx) utilizing oil palm trunk sap as the main carbon source.
  • To maximize the production of P(3HB) and P(3HB-co-3HHx) from Cupriavidus necator NSDG-GG through optimization of culture condition.

Justification and project description:

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are a class of biodegradable polyester thermoplastic that are synthesized by various bacteria and archaea in the presence of excess carbon source but limited essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus or sulphur. Similar properties of PHA to several commodity plastics have attracted attention since the 1970s. However, high production cost, particularly the cost of substrate is one of the major hindrances for the economic viability of PHA. Currently, expensive purified sugars and vegetable oils are commonly used as the main carbon source for large scale production. Alternatively, felled oil palm trunk (OPT) is high in sugar-rich sap content, which accounts for approximately 70% of the whole trunk weight. It is estimated that the OPT sap production would be nearly 30–50 million tonnes annually in Malaysia. Sap extracted from the OPT is rich in sugars, amino acids, organic acids, minerals and vitamins which makes it an abundant and inexpensive carbon source for the fermentation process. Therefore, the aim of this project is to develop OPT sap as the main carbon source for the biosynthesis of PHA.

Contribution to the society (Benefits):

  • The potential use of OPT sap for PHA production adds value to the felled oil palm trees.
  • The OPT sap can also be used to produce other beneficial products such as bioethanol and biogas.
  • The utilization of OPT may generate additional income for the oil palm plantation owners during replanting.