Hoekstra, Robin (2023) Polyhydroxyalkanoate production in bacteria, algae, plants, and yeast. Bachelor's Thesis, Biology.
|
Text
Final edition bachelors thesis - Robin Hoekstra.pdf Download (1MB) | Preview |
|
![[img]](https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/style/images/fileicons/text.png) |
Text
toestemming.pdf Restricted to Registered users only Download (148kB) |
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a serious global problem that has significant environmental and health consequences. There is a growing interest in developing sustainable alternatives like polyhydroxyalkanoates(PHAs). PHAs are a group of biodegradable and biocompatible polyesters produced by a range of microorganisms. In this research paper, bacteria, algae, plants, yeasts, and fungi will be studied for their ability to synthesize PHA. Bacteria show the highest PHA production of all microorganisms, especially when genetically modified. It can produce different types of PHA, such as short-chain length, medium-chain length, and occasionally long-chain length PHAs. As a result of high production costs, new ways of producing these polyesters are studied. One such is the usage of open cultures. No sterilization is needed which saves money. Furthermore, when combined in a mixed culture, the population becomes more adaptable and can utilize different waste food streams. Plants and algae use CO2 and light as their energy source, which is favorable for the reduction of global warming and decreasing production costs. In addition, plants can, when rightfully modified, accumulate PHA while still growing crops. Yeasts are able to produce PHA when genetically engineered. However, there are no clear favorable factors compared to other microorganisms. Consequently, Fungi were expected to produce PHA, but this was not the case.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor's Thesis) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Jong, A. de and Incarnato, D. |
| Degree programme: | Biology |
| Thesis type: | Bachelor's Thesis |
| Language: | English |
| Date Deposited: | 01 May 2023 11:14 |
| Last Modified: | 01 May 2023 11:14 |
| URI: | https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/29701 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |