Low frequency sonic waves assisted cloud point extraction of polyhydroxyalkanoate from Cupriavidus necator

- Process integration of ultrasonication and cloud point extraction of PHA from the broth.
- Environmental friendly mixed surfactant used for cloud point extraction of PHA.
- Effect of cloud point and ultrasonication process parameters were studied.
- Maximum PHA purity of 94.28% and recovery of 96.21% was obtained.
- LC-MS analysis confirms the nativity of the PHA after the extraction process.

Low frequency sonic waves, less than 10 kHz were introduced to assist cloud point extraction of polyhydroxyalkanoate from Cupriavidus necator present within the crude broth. Process parameters including surfactant system variables and sonication parameters were studied for their effect on extraction efficiency. Introduction of low frequency sonic waves assists in the dissolution of microbial cell wall by the surfactant micelles and release of cellular content, polyhydroxyalkanoate granules released were encapsulated by the micelle core which was confirmed by crotonic acid assay. In addition, sonic waves resulted in the separation of homogeneous surfactant and broth mixture into two distinct phases, top aqueous phase and polyhydroxyalkanoate enriched bottom surfactant rich phase. Mixed surfactant systems showed higher extraction efficiency compared to that of individual Triton X-100 concentrations, owing to increase in the hydrophobicity of the micellar core and its interaction with polyhydroxyalkanoate. Addition of salts to the mixed surfactant system induces screening of charged surfactant head groups and reduces inter-micellar repulsion, presence of ammonium ions lead to electrostatic repulsion and weaker cation sodium enhances the formation of micellar network. Addition of polyethylene glycol 8000 resulted in increasing interaction with the surfactant tails of the micelle core there by reducing the purity of polyhydroxyalkanoate.

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