Sustainable Synthesis of Food-waste-derived Nanoparticles for Metabolic Stimulation-driven Enhancement of Microbial PHB Production
J. Environ. Nanotechnol., Volume 14, No 4 (December 2025) pp. 129-135
Abstract
The environmental damage caused by petroleum-based plastics has increased demand for biodegradable materials, including polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). Nevertheless, the high cost of producing PHB and its low yield are also critical limitations to its mass availability. In this study, the researcher discusses a viable strategy to increase PHB production using nanoparticles. It is obtained using food waste extracts using a green synthesis process. Silver (AgNPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized using food waste and analyzed by FTIR, SEM, and XRD. Cultures of Cupriavidus necator were incubated under different concentrations of the nanoparticles (10-50 mg/L) to determine the effects of the nanoparticles on the growth of the microbe and PHB accretion. The findings indicated that the addition of nanoparticles significantly affected the growth rate of microorganisms and the PHB yield. The highest PHB (3.52 g/L) was produced at the optimal ZnONP concentration (20 mg/L), which is 63% higher compared to the control. Analysis of the polymer by FTIR and TGA confirmed that the structure formed with nanoparticles was stable and that its thermal stability was enhanced. The production of PHB increased, which was attributed to increasing enzyme activity of nanoparticles, substrate utilization efficiency, and resistance to intracellular stress. The process is also aligned with the concept of circular bioeconomy, as it manages waste materials and produces environmentally friendly materials.
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Reference
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