Investigation on Biodegradability of Biopolymer by Bacterial Isolates

Global dependence on petroleum derived plastics has increased considerably over the years. However, the rapid depletion of crude oil and the mounting apprehension about the environmental effects of synthetically produced materials has prompted much interest in biologically derived polymers, particularly of the biodegradable class. Modern biotechnology has made it possible to manipulate these biopolymers to suit human needs. Among the various biodegradable polymers, a class that is drawing considerable attention is the polyhydroxyalkanoates. In this regard, the present study was evaluated for the production of Polyhydroxyalkanoates with Acinetobacter CN1, an isolate of cashew nut industrial waste. Further, Poly hydroxyl butyrate - co- poly hydroxyvalerate was fabricated and subjected to soil burial assay followed by clear zone experiments for degradation studies. The results revealed that six bacterial isolates were identified from soil burial experiment namely Bacillus, Bifidobacterium1, Bifidobacterium2, Corneybacterium, Bifidobacterium3 and Alcaligenes faecalis. Among the six isolates Alcaligenes faecalis showed maximum zone in the clear zone experiment which was indicated that Alcaligenes faecalis is the best biopolymer degrading microorganism.