Enhancement of growth and poly 3-hydroxybutyrate production from Methylobacterium sp. ZP24 by formate and other organic acids

Production of the polymer, poly 3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), by Methylobacterium sp. ZP24 increased when sucrose-containing medium was partially substituted with low concentrations of several organic acids. Low concentrations of formate could enhance the PHB yield 2·4-fold and bring down the production time by 12 h. The use of formate as a growth enhancer could be successfully scaled up to the 18 litre level. The possible mechanism of enhancement is discussed.