Polyhydroxybutyrate production from marine source and its application.

The increasing significance of non-degradable plastic wastes is an emerging concern. As a substitute, researches are being endeavoured from existing reserve to yield bioplastics based on their properties of biodegradability. Owing to their cost, now the experts are quest for a substitute source like bacteria, microalgae, actinomycetes, cyanobacteria and plants.

Mass cultivation of UV-B adapted Arthrospira platensis RRGK under open raceway pond for the production of Poly-β-hydroxy butyrate.

Six different strains of cyanobacteria were isolated from the freshwater lake, Arakkonam, India. Staining of cells with Nile Red showed the presence of large quantities of PHB granules in the cell cytoplasm of Arthrospira. Molecular identification of the strain was carried out using 16S rRNA analysis and their systematic position was ascertained as Arthrospira platensis RRGK.

Optimization of polyhydroxybutyrate production utilizing waste water as nutrient source by Botryococcus braunii Kütz using response surface methodology.

Investigations have been made to optimize various factors including pH, temperature, and substrate for enhanced polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) production in Botryococcus braunii which serves as a pioneer for production of bioplastic (PHB). Polyhydroxybutyrate is a natural, decomposable polymers accumulated by the microorganism under different nutritional condition. Strain selection was done by staining method using Sudan black and Nile red dye.

Synthesis of chitosan capped copper oxide nanoleaves using high intensity (30kHz) ultrasound sonication and their application in antifouling coatings.

The synthesis of chitosan capped copper oxide nanoleaves (CCCO NLs) was carried out under three different reaction conditions viz. 1) room temperature, 2) 70°C and 3) high intensity ultrasound (30kHz) sonication method and it has been found that the high intensity ultrasound (30kHz) sonication is the best method when compared to other two methods. The advantages of the present synthetic method are: i) easy one step process, ii) lesser reaction time, iii) good yield, iv) reproducible and v) calcination is not required.

Biosynthesis, purification and characterization of polyhydroxybutyrate from Botryococcus braunii kütz.

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is completely biodegradable which is metabolised by microorganisms in the soil as their sole food source in few years. The level of PHB up to 10.6% of algal dry weight is of great potential of the eco-friendly nature.

Further studies and biological activities of macromolecular protein R-Phycoerythrin from Portieria hornemannii.

In the present study, the purified R-Phycoerythrin (R-PE) from a red alga Portieria hornemannii was subjected to the analysis of stability under the influence of different agents. Among the various inhibitors tested on R-PE EDTA at lower concentrations (<1 mM) supported the activity of R-PE. When R-PE was exposed to different organic solvents, ethanol supported the activity at the maximum followed by acetone, ethyl acetate, chloroform and methanol.

Isolation and characterization of macromolecular protein R-Phycoerythrin from Portieria hornemannii.

R-Phycoerythrin (R-PE) is one of the three phycobiliproteins which are extensively used as fluorescent probes, and it is prepared from red macro-algae. This macromolecular protein has gained importance in many biotechnological applications in food science, immunodiagnostic, therapy, cosmetics, protein and cell labeling, and analytical processes. In the present investigation, R-PE was isolated and purified from a red alga Portieria hornemannii.