Abstract
A simple method was developed for the preparation of an autoclavable, long-side-chain poly (β-hydroxyalkanoate) (LSC-PHA) colloidal suspension, which was used as a substrate for enzymatic degradation and to prepare agar overlay plates for the isolation of microorganisms producing extracellular LSC-PHA depolymerase. Six cultures producing extracellular LSC-PHA depolymerase were isolated from a composted hydrocarbon-contaminated soil. All were pseudomonads or related bacteria. All (with the possible exception ofXanthomonas maltophilia) could produce LSC PHA. Except forX. maltophilia none could hydrolyze poly (β-hydroxybutyrate). Screening of sevenPseudomonas strains known to accumulate LSC PHA showed that all were negative for extracellular LSC-PHA depolymerase production. It was concluded that extracellular LSC-PHA depolymerase producers are found mostly in the genusPseudomonas but that they are relatively uncommon.
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Ramsay, B.A., Saracovan, I., Ramsay, J.A. et al. A method for the isolation of microorganisms producing extracellular long-side-chain poly (β-hydroxyalkanoate) depolymerase. J Environ Polym Degr 2, 1–7 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02073481
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02073481