Occurrence of poly-D(-)-3-hydroxyalkanoates in the genus Bacillus.

A range of Bacillus strains were examined for their ability to accumulate poly-D(-)-3-hydroxyalkanoates (poly-HAKs) which are naturally occurring materials that are optically active, biodegradable thermoplastics. The organisms could produce poly-D(-)-3-hydroxybutyrate (poly-HB) up to 50% of cell dry weight. The content of poly-HB in the cells varied with the growth conditions. The addition of propionate or valerate in the culture resulted in a synthesis of poly-D(-)-3-hydroxyvalerate (poly-HV). All the strains tested had the ability to synthesize the co-polyester poly-HB-co-HV.