Size analysis of poly(3-hydroxybutyric acid) granules produced in Escherichia coli

Abstract

Size distributions of PHB granules synthesized in recombinant Escherichia coli are determined by photosedimentation. Mean granule Stokes diameters are in the range 1.13-1.25 mu m, which is larger than reported values for wild type microorganisms. Treatment with 1.5% hypochlorite and mild centrifugation did not affect granule size distribution. Treatment with 10% hypochlorite led to a significant reduction in mean diameter and total PHB.