Low frequency sonic waves assisted cloud point extraction of polyhydroxyalkanoate from Cupriavidus necator.

Low frequency sonic waves, less than 10kHz were introduced to assist cloud point extraction of polyhydroxyalkanoate from Cupriavidus necator present within the crude broth. Process parameters including surfactant system variables and sonication parameters were studied for their effect on extraction efficiency. Introduction of low frequency sonic waves assists in the dissolution of microbial cell wall by the surfactant micelles and release of cellular content, polyhydroxyalkanoate granules released were encapsulated by the micelle core which was confirmed by crotonic acid assay. In addition, sonic waves resulted in the separation of homogeneous surfactant and broth mixture into two distinct phases, top aqueous phase and polyhydroxyalkanoate enriched bottom surfactant rich phase. Mixed surfactant systems showed higher extraction efficiency compared to that of individual Triton X-100 concentrations, owing to increase in the hydrophobicity of the micellar core and its interaction with polyhydroxyalkanoate. Addition of salts to the mixed surfactant system induces screening of charged surfactant head groups and reduces inter-micellar repulsion, presence of ammonium ions lead to electrostatic repulsion and weaker cation sodium enhances the formation of micellar network. Addition of polyethylene glycol 8000 resulted in increasing interaction with the surfactant tails of the micelle core there by reducing the purity of polyhydroxyalkanoate.

Anionic surfactant based reverse micellar extraction of L-asparaginase synthesized by Azotobacter vinelandii.

L-Asparaginase synthesized by Azotobacter vinelandii via submerged fermentation in the presence of sucrose was successfully extracted using Reverse micellar extraction. Single step enzyme purification process was developed by varying the process variables which resulted in maximum specificity and extraction of L-asparaginase. The effect of different variables, including broth pH, addition of alcohol during the forward extraction and pH of the fresh stripping aqueous phase, addition of alcohol and electrolyte during backward extraction process were studied. Lower concentration of butanol resulted in maximum activity of the enzyme during forward extraction while enzyme activity was found to increase further with the addition of higher concentrations of ammonium sulphate during backward extraction. Chromatographic analysis of L-asparaginase peak at ~7.65 min was intense for the back extracted sample confirming the maximum purity of L-asparaginase obtained. Purity of L-asparaginase was increased to about 379.68 fold.