Optimization of Bioplastic Production Using Agricultural Waste and Engineered E. coli

Abstract

This research focused on sustainable bioplastic production using engineered E. coli to synthesize polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from agricultural residues (rice husk hydrolysate). Optimization was performed for carbon/nitrogen ratio, fermentation pH, and induction timing.
The engineered strain achieved a PHA yield of 54% of dry cell weight with 90 g/L rice husk sugar as substrate. Thermal and mechanical properties of the extracted bioplastics were comparable to commercial PLA. This study provides a green alternative to petro-based plastics and promotes circular bioeconomy models.