Polyhydroxyalkanoates PHA

Production, extraction and applications of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)

We are working on the production polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) by using fully automated cultivation systems in which mixed microbial cultures (MMC) are fed with various carbon sources (e.g. agricultural waste). We are developing novel protocols for the extraction of PHA based on the use of: green organic solvents such as dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and the bio-based g-valerolactone (GVL); green surfactants named Switchable Anionic Surfactants (SAS), whose solubility in water is tuned by the addition and removal of CO2.

Additionally we are exploring the possible applications of PHA-gels by using green solvents such as GVL, specifically for cleaning painting surfaces providing sustainable tools for the conservation of Cultural Heritage.

 

 

 

Selected publications:

  1. Chiara Samorì, Paola Galletti, Loris Giorgini, Rocco Mazzeo, Laura Mazzocchetti, Silvia Prati, Giorgia Sciutto, Francesca Volpi, Emilio Tagliavini, 2016, ChemistrySelect 1 (15), 4502-4508. 
  2. Chiara Samorì, Federica Abbondanzi, Paola Galletti, Loris Giorgini, Laura Mazzocchetti, Cristian Torri, Emilio Tagliavini. Bioresource Technology, 2015, 189, 195–202
  3. Samorì, C., Basaglia, M., Casella, S., Favaro, L., Galletti, P., Giorgini, L., Marchi, D, Mazzocchetti, L., Torri, C., Tagliavini, E. Green Chemistry, 2015, 17, 1047-1056