Characterization of a polyhydroxyalkanoate obtained from pineapple peel waste using Ralsthonia eutropha

• Some physicochemical properties of pineapple peel were determined.
• Polyhydroxyalkanoates can be obtained from a novel agro-industrial residues pineapple peel, through fermentation processes.
• The best fermentation condition for the production of biopolymer was at pH 9, C/N: 11, C/F: 6 and a fermentation time of 60 h.
• The polymer obtained from waste pineapple peel, has similar properties to a commercial Polyhydroxyalkanoates.

Agro-industrial waste can be the production source of biopolymers such as polyhydroxyalkanoates. The aim of this study was to produce and characterize Polyhydroxyalkanoates produced from pineapple peel waste fermentation processes. The methodology includes different pineapple peel waste fermentation conditions. The produced biopolymer was characterized using FTIR, GC–MS and NMR. The best fermentation condition for biopolymer production was obtained using pH 9, Carbon/Nitrogen 11, carbon/phosphorus 6 and fermentation time of 60 h. FTIR analyzes showed PHB group characteristics, such as OH, CH and CO. In addition, GC–MS showed two monomers with 4 and 8 carbons, referred to PHB and PHBHV. H1 NMR analysis showed 0.88–0.97 and 5.27 ppm signals, corresponding to CH3 and CH, respectively. In conclusion, polyhydroxyalkanoate production from pineapple peels waste is an alternative for the treatment of waste generated in Colombia’s fruit industry.