Microbial production of Poly-B-Hydroxybutyrate (PHB) by Bacillus Megaterium strains isolated from root nodules of different flowering plants in Turkey

The aim of this research was the isolation and identification of 5 strains achieved from root nodules of different flowering plants (Vicia sp., Phaeseolus vulgaris, Pisum sativum, Vicia faba), and the determination of poly-ß-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) efficiency of the isolates on different media conditions. Results of our experiments showed that the strains were Bacillus megaterium based on cultural, biochemical and 16S rRNA sequencing methods and VITEK2 system. The amounts and yield of PHB (%) produced by B. megaterium strains were also determined by use of spectrophotometric method. Consequently, the highest yields of PHB were obtained from strain 13/1 (83.82%) on yeast extract mannitol medium (YEM), strain 13/2 (87.50%) with glycin, and strains 13/1 (86.30%) and 2/a (82.03%) with glucose on YEM medium. For further experiments by using these bacteria, determination of less expensive substrates and industrial-scale PHB production will be necessary. For this purpose, B. megaterium strains 13/1, 13/2 and 2/a can be used. © PSP.