New PROMICON research on cyanobacteria microbiomes for bioplastic production

A new PROMICON publication explores the potential of cyanobacteria-enriched microbiomes for bioplastic production. Cyanobacteria, known for their ability to produce polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) under nutrient-limited conditions, are being investigated for their role in sustainable biopolymer production. Cyanobacteria-enriched microbiomes -mixed cultures where cyanobacteria are the dominant microorganisms- could offer significant cost reductions through production in non-sterile set-ups and with non-pure feedstocks.

While still in its infancy, research in cyanobacterial microbiomes has shown considerable promise for achieving high PHA yields and sustaining production over time.

PROMICON partners from the GEMMA Research Group at Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) aimed to set a strategy to optimize cultivation conditions and enhance biopolymer yield. A preprint on their work is available in SSRN and has subsequently been published in Elsevier. 

They explore key culture parameters to optimize PHA production with cyanobacteria-enriched cultures, and review the different techniques that can help to monitor and control the process such as combining molecular biology techniques with detailed PHA analysis. 

The publication highlights the opportunities presented by cyanobacteria-enriched microbiomes and proposes solutions to associated challenges. It underscores the importance of integrated, sustainable practices in advancing cyanobacteria-based industrial processes.

Cyanobacteria-rich microbiomes used for high-yield PHB production