Redox regulation of growth and metabolism of the bacterium Ralstonia eutropha

Currently, the processing of organic waste, obtaining bioenergy and other valuable materials is promising. Now the accumulation of plastic is a big ecological problem. new and affordable ways of obtaining biodegradable plastic are sought. Ralstonia eutropha is a chemolithoautotrophic bacterium with great biotechnological potential, which produces bioplastic: polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) during its metabolism. During lithoautotrophic growth using H2, CO2, and O2, R. eutropha also synthesizes O2-stable [NiFe]-hydrogenases (Hyds), which are used as anode catalysts in fuel cells. Organic wastes are available source of C and N for heterotrophic microbial growth, PHA and Hyd production. However, in contrast to autotrophic metabolism, the mechanisms of Hyd expression under heterotrophic conditions of R. eutropha and the connection with PAH accumulation have not been elucidated so far. The project will investigate for the first time the biochemical pathways of PAH and Hyd generation during the biotransformation of R. eutropha organic waste, their redox regulation for biomass and nodule enzyme expression, stimulation of activity and identification of favorable conditions. Research has significant environmental and economic benefits.