Polyhydroxyalkanoates from Marine Microorganisms for Biomedical and Aquaculture Applications
Summary
Over 2500 bacterial isolates have been obtained from various marine samples and were screened for Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production. Isolates with >50% PHA production were further screened based on % PHA productivity. 27 isolates were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and were subsequently deposited in GenBank. Four potent isolates Vibrio harveyi MCCB284, Bacillus cereus MCCB281, Labrenzia aggregata MCCB274, Vibrio alginolyticus MCCB290 from different locations were studied for PHA production, optimization and characterization studies. Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) homopolymer as well as polyhydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate (PHBV) copolymer production was optimized and the polymers were purified and characterized. Optimization of copolymer production from Bacillus cereus was carried out using Response Surface Methodology with Design Expert software. Ability of 4 bacterial isolates Vibrio harveyi MCCB284, Bacillus cereus MCCB281 to produce PHA using glycerol as carbon source can be exploited for the sustainable commercial production of PHA. Nanoparticle synthesis using PHB and PHBV has been optimized and Nile Red was used as sample drug. PHBV film synthesis and characterization have been carried out for use in biomedical applications. Man Power- Two Ph.D. Scholars have been associated with the project.
Sampling at Goan Coast
TEM Micrograph showing PHA granules in Bacillus cereus MCCB281
SEM Micrograph showing PHA nanoparticles
Response surface 3D plots showing interactive effect of process variables for PHA yield
L929 fibroblast cells on the surface of (a) PHBV and (c) PHB films and after staining with Hoechst 33258 dye on (b) PHBV and (d) PHB films. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.02.006
Funding Agency
MoES-CMLRE
File No: MoES/CMLRE 10-MLR-TD/09/2012 dated 09/10/2012
Period: 2012-2017
Project Cost: 87 Lakhs
Dr. Prem Kumar, a Senior Scientist in the Finfish Culture Division at the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (ICAR-CIFE), is recognized for his contributions to finfish aquaculture and sustainable fish farming practices. His research focuses on advancing breeding, seed production, and grow-out techniques for economically important finfish species, essential for enhancing fish farming efficiency and profitability. Dr. Kumar has been instrumental in developing improved methods for breeding and rearing native fish species, supporting biodiversity conservation while boosting aquaculture productivity in India.
Dr. David Verner-Jeffreys is a Senior Scientist at WorldFish and an esteemed expert in aquatic animal health and aquaculture biosecurity. With a background in fish pathology and disease management, Dr. Verner-Jeffreys has dedicated his career to developing solutions that enhance disease prevention and sustainable health practices in aquaculture systems globally. His research focuses on combating infectious diseases that impact fish farming, particularly in developing countries, where aquaculture plays a crucial role in food security and livelihoods.
Dr. M. Shashi Shekhar, is a distinguished expert in aquatic animal health and environmental management in brackishwater aquaculture. With extensive experience in fish and shrimp health management, his work addresses critical challenges in disease prevention, environmental sustainability, and biosecurity, contributing to the growth and resilience of India’s brackishwater aquaculture sector. By emphasizing biosecurity, environmental monitoring, and eco-friendly health management practices, Dr. Shekhar has contributed to enhancing the resilience and sustainability of shrimp and fish farming.
Dr. K.V. Rajendran is a prominent aquaculture scientist at the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (ICAR-CIFE) in India, recognized for his expertise in fish health management and aquatic animal disease control. With a focus on advancing disease diagnostics, biosecurity, and sustainable health practices in aquaculture, Dr. Rajendran’s work has greatly contributed to improving the resilience and productivity of India’s aquaculture sector. His research addresses major challenges related to fish and shellfish health, particularly in diagnosing and managing viral, bacterial, and parasitic diseases that impact farmed species.
Dr. T. Raja Swaminathan is a renowned scientist at the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT) in Kochi, India, with expertise in fish health management, aquaculture biosecurity, and disease diagnostics. His work focuses on addressing challenges related to aquatic animal health, particularly in ensuring sustainable and safe practices in India’s aquaculture industry. Dr. Swaminathan is recognized for his contributions to the detection and control of fish and shellfish diseases, which are critical for enhancing productivity and reducing economic losses in aquaculture.
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Prof. Arun K. Dhar is a Professor and Director of the Aquaculture Pathology Laboratory at the School of Animal & Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The University of Arizona, USA. An expert in aquaculture pathology and virology, Prof. Dhar is highly regarded for his research on diseases affecting shrimp and other aquatic species. His work focuses on identifying, understanding, and managing viral pathogens that pose significant threats to aquaculture industries globally.
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Dr. Pramoda Kumar Sahoo is the Director-cum-ICAR National Professor at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA). A leading expert in fish health management and aquatic animal diseases, Dr. Sahoo’s work focuses on advancing disease control, immunology, and molecular biology in freshwater aquaculture. His research is pivotal in improving the health, resilience, and sustainability of India’s aquaculture industry, which plays a vital role in food security and rural livelihoods.
Dr. Rohana Subasinghe is the Managing Director of FutureFish, a consultancy specializing in sustainable aquaculture and fisheries development. With over 30 years of experience in aquaculture, aquatic animal health, and international fisheries, Dr. Subasinghe is a globally recognized expert dedicated to promoting sustainable practices that support food security, environmental protection, and socioeconomic growth.
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