초록
The production of poly-$\beta$-hydroxybutyrate(PHB) from methanol by batch and fed-batch cultivations of Methylobacterium sp. GL-10 was studied. PHB accumulation was stimulated by the nutrients deficiency including, NH4+, SO42-, and K+. The nitrogen deficiency was the most critical factor for PHB accumulation. In batch cultivation, the maximum cell concentration and PHB content were 1.86g/l and 0.62g/l, respectively, with 1.0%(v/v) of methanol and 0.5g/1 of ammonium sulfate. The mass doubling time of Methylobacterum sp. GL-10 was in the range of 4-5 hrs. The cell growth and PHB accumulation were severely inhibited at the methanol concentration over than 2% (v/v). To overcome methanol Inhibition, constant feeding and intermittent feedillg fed-batch cultivations were adopted, using C/N molar ratio as a control factor. In constant feeding fed-batch process, cell concentration was increased up to 2.67g/1, and PHB yield was enhanced from 0.33 of batch culture to 0.53. The relatively low cell concentration was caused by methanol accumulated in culture broth at late growth phase. To prevent methanol accumulation and to maximize PHB production, DO-state intermittent fed-batch cultivation was attempted. The cell and PHB concentration was reached up to 4.55g/1 and 1.80g/1, respectively. It was possible to maintain methanol concentration low and also to feed nutrient of desired C/N molar ratio.