Valorization of Sweet Whey For A Climate-friendly Bioplastic (PLA) Production Method
Project no. 24212 · Status: Kapanmış (Yayın bekleniyor) · 2022
Summary
<p>The increasing production and accumulation of petroleum-based plastics in the environment have brought alternative polymer production strategies to the forefront. In this context, the development of biotechnological production processes and the valorization of industrial by-products have gained significant importance.</p><p>In this study, the production potentials of lactic acid bacteria isolated from dairy products were evaluated, and whey was utilized as a carbon source for lactic acid production via microbial fermentation. For polylactic acid (PLA) production, an enzymatic polymerization approach was investigated; additionally, PLA production was successfully achieved via in vivo biosynthesis in genetically engineered Lactococcus lactis NZ9000 strains. The obtained polymer fractions were analyzed using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, and the presence of characteristic functional groups specific to PLA was confirmed.</p><p>In conclusion, a multi-stage polymer production model based on the valorization of whey was developed, and the feasibility of PLA production in microbial systems was experimentally demonstrated. This approach presents potential for sustainable production strategies within the scope of circular economy and climate change mitigation.</p>