Conversion of rice husks to polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) via a three-step process : optimized alkaline pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, and biosynthesis by Burkholderia cepacia USM (JCM 15050)
BACKGROUND: Rice husks (RH) are agricultural residues with abundant storage of cellulose and hemicellulose, making them a potential feedstock for polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production. In this study, optimization of pretreatment with alkali under various conditions was performed before enzymatic hydrolysis using Celluclast 1.5 L (EC 3.2.1.4) and Novozyme 188 (EC 3.2.1.21). The hydrolysate was fed