This master thesis deals with polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and their role in bacterial biofilms. In the theoretical part the polyhydroxyalkanoates, bacterial biofilm and the relationship between them were reviewed. The experimental part focused on differences in PHA production by planktonic and biofilm cells. In order to study selected topic, bacterial strains of Burkholderia cepacia and Burkholderia sacchari were cultivated using a CDC biofilm reactor. The attention was paid to quantity and especially to the form in which PHA occurs in planktonic and biofilm cells. Results of Raman spectroscopy have shown that PHA exists exclusively in native amorphous form in planktonic bacterial cells. On the other hand, in biofilm PHA occurs also in a partially crystalline form. In addition, the resistance of planktonic and biofilm cells against various stress factors and the effect of osmotic stress on PHA production was tested too. According to the results of the experiment, when the bacteria were exposed to different stress factors (high temperature, low temperature, presence of detergent and so forth) biofilm cells showed a higher stress resistance than planktonic cells. Apart from slowing cell growth and reproduction, increased osmotic pressure in the culture medium also caused decrease of PHA production. In addition, planktonic cells responded to external stimuli more sensitively than biofilm ones.

This diploma thesis is focused on study of chemical and enzymatical hydrolysis of raw wood material. The aim of this work was to find the suitable method for pretreatment of selected lignocellulose materials. The theoretical part deals with characterization of lignocellulosic material and its components. There are also subscribed various pretreatment methods and their effect on hydrolysis of sawdust. In experimental part of the work the most appropriate approach of pretreatment and hydrolysis of sawdust was studied. Criteria for the selection of suitable method was concentration of saccharides as desired product of hydrolysis and also concentration of the most important microbial inhibitors - polyphenols. Application of 96% ethanol or 5% H2O2 were identified as the most promising pretreatment methods which enhanced yields of fermentable sugars about 30 %. Further, we also performed cultivation of bacteria Burkholderia cepacia and bacteria Burkholderia sacchari using solution obtained by hydrolysis of lignocellulose material.

The aim of this work was study of the detoxification of lignocellulose material hydrolysates and to investigate sawdust suitability as a substrate for microbial production of PHA by bacteria Burkholderia cepacia and Burkholderia sacchari. In the experimental part of the work the most suitable way of detoxification of model and real hydrolysate was studied. After that, detoxification methods used were evaluated. Criteria for evaluation were concentration of polyphenols as the most important microbial inhibitors and reduction saccharides as the main carbon substrate. Furthermore, fermentability of the hydrolysates was also tested by cultivation of two bacteria capable of PHA accumulation. Burkholderia sacchari demonstrated higher ability to accumulate PHA then Burkholderia cepacia. Then in the summary – most effective way for detoxification was ‚overliming‘. Major increase of PHB in biomass was obtained when Burkholderia sacchari was cultivated on media gained by application of overliming of real lignocellulose hydrolysate. However, total gains of PHB were more likely low and then sawdust can not be considered as a substrate for PHB production at industrial scale.

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