Enhancing PHB Production in Bacillus subtilis Using Coffee Oil: A Sustainable Approach to Biodegradable Plastics
Siyeon Kim
Jungkyung High School, Seoul, South Korea
Publication date: May 31, 2025
Jungkyung High School, Seoul, South Korea
Publication date: May 31, 2025
DOI: http://doi.org/10.34614/JIYRC2025I08
ABSTRACT
This study investigates the use of coffee oil, derived from recycled coffee grounds, as a sustainable carbon source to enhance the production of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), a biodegradable plastic, in Bacillus subtilis. The research demonstrates that PHB production increases significantly with higher concentrations of coffee oil, reaching up to 60% at 3% coffee oil, as illustrated in a graph showing a positive correlation between coffee oil concentration (0% to 3%) and PHB yield. Additionally, the environmental degradability of the produced PHB was assessed under UV light, revealing rapid degradation with only 10% remaining after seven days, while microplastics exhibited no significant change over the same period, as depicted in a comparative degradation graph. These findings highlight the dual benefits of this approach: coffee oil not only boosts PHB biosynthesis but also leverages organic waste, offering a potential environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastics and a sustainable solution to mitigate plastic pollution.
This study investigates the use of coffee oil, derived from recycled coffee grounds, as a sustainable carbon source to enhance the production of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), a biodegradable plastic, in Bacillus subtilis. The research demonstrates that PHB production increases significantly with higher concentrations of coffee oil, reaching up to 60% at 3% coffee oil, as illustrated in a graph showing a positive correlation between coffee oil concentration (0% to 3%) and PHB yield. Additionally, the environmental degradability of the produced PHB was assessed under UV light, revealing rapid degradation with only 10% remaining after seven days, while microplastics exhibited no significant change over the same period, as depicted in a comparative degradation graph. These findings highlight the dual benefits of this approach: coffee oil not only boosts PHB biosynthesis but also leverages organic waste, offering a potential environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastics and a sustainable solution to mitigate plastic pollution.
