Polihidroxialcanoatos (PHA) são biopolímeros naturalmente produzidos e acumulados por diversos organismos, como bactérias, archaeas e alguns eucariontes, como fungos e leveduras. São materiais termoplásticos, biodegradáveis, biocompatíveis e podem ser produzidos a partir de fontes renováveis, exibindo grande potencial para substituir plásticos produzidos a partir de recursos não renováveis. Copolímeros híbridos de PHA, que podem ser formados por monômeros de cadeia curta e média, como P(3HASCL-co-3HAMCL), apresentam características físico-químicas diferenciadas, semelhantes às dos plásticos derivados de petróleo, sendo por isso interessantes para a indústria de materiais. A PHA sintase é considerada a enzima chave na síntese de PHA, responsável por catalisar a polimerização de diferentes monômeros de (R)-hidroxiacil-CoA, influenciando a composição monomérica do polímero formado. Sistemas de recombinação baseados em transposons bacterianos são explorados como ferramentas moleculares para inserção de sequências gênicas no cromossomo de bactérias Gram-negativas. Por exemplo, elementos mini-Tn7 podem ser prontamente transferidos para a construção de cepas recombinantes. No presente trabalho, é apresentada a construção de diferentes linhagens recombinantes a partir de Pseudomonas sp. LFM 046 e LFM 461, portando em seus cromossomos genes de PHA sintase de Ralstonia eutropha, Aeromonas hydrophila ou Aeromonas sp. TSM 81. Clones candidatos foram triados quanto a inserção das sequências de interesse em seu cromossomo, sendo os positivos avaliados em relação à capacidade de produção de PHA em ensaios em agitador rotativo, com glicose como única fonte de carbono. Um dos recombinantes obtidos se mostrou produtor do copolímero P(3HB-co-3HO-co-3HD), acumulando aproximadamente 2 % de sua massa seca celular na forma de PHA. / Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are biopolymers naturally produced and accumulated by many organisms such as bacteria, archaeas and some eukaryotes, such as fungi and yeasts. As thermoplastics, biodegradable, biocompatible and possibly made from renewable resources, they exhibit great potential to replace oil-derived plastics. Hybrid PHA copolymers can be formed by short and medium-chain monomers, P(3HASCL-co-3HAMCL), and present industry desired physicochemical properties, becoming similar to conventional oil-based plastics. PHA synthase is the key enzyme in PHA biosynthesis, responsible for catalyzing the polymerization of (R)-hydroxyacyl-CoA molecules, influencing polymer monomeric composition. Tn7-based recombination strategies represent powerful molecular tolls designed for gene delivery in Gram-negative bacteria, as mini-Tn7 elements can be readily transferred to recombinants production. In this work, its presented the constructions of recombinant Pseudomonas strains harboring PHA synthase genes from Ralstonia eutropha and Aeromonas strains in specific sites of its chromosome, and the production of P(3HB-co-3HO-co-3HD). Obtained clones were screened to confirm chromosomic insertion of the phaC sequences. Positive clones PHA production and composition were evaluated in shaken-flasks assays using glucose as the only carbon source. One of the constructed recombinants accumulated P(3HB-co-3HO-co-3HD), corresponding about to 2 % of its Cell Dry Weight as PHA.

Polihidroxialcanoatos (PHA) são poliésteres acumulados por diversas bactérias a partir de fontes renováveis e são termoplásticos, biodegradáveis e biocompatíveis. A variabilidade da composição monomérica de PHA determina suas propriedades mecânicas e permite seu uso em diversas aplicações. A PHA sintase é a enzima responsável pela polimerização do PHA. O objetivo deste trabalho foi à busca por genes codificadores desta enzima, construção e avaliação de recombinantes portando tais genes. Inicialmente buscaram-se novos genes de PHA sintase a partir de clones de uma biblioteca metagenômica previamente detectados por PCR como positivos para algum tipo de PHA sintase. Posteriormente buscou-se PHA sintases de classe III e construiram-se recombinantes de Pseudomonas sp e B. sacchari pela introdução de genes de C. vinosum (phaECCv). Nas duas recombinantes, os genes inseridos foram capazes de aumentar a fração de 3HHx em relação a linhagem selvagem, quando se utilizou glicose e hexanoato como fontes de carbono. / Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are polyesters accumulated from renewable sources by several bacteria and are thermoplastic, biodegradable and biocompatible. The variability of the PHA monomer composition determines its mechanical properties and allows their use in many applications. PHA synthase is the enzyme responsible for the polymerization of PHA. The objective was to search for genes encoding this enzyme, construction and the assessment of recombinant bacteria carrying such genes. Initially a screening of PHA synthase genes was made from a metagenomic library clones previously identified as positive by PCR for any type of PHA synthase. Later a search for class III PHA synthases was made as a construction of a recombinant Pseudomonas sp and B. sacchari by introducing genes of C. vinosum (phaECCv). In the two recombinant strains, the genes inserted were able to increase the fraction of 3HHx compared to the wild strain when glucose and hexanoate was used as carbon sources.

Os polihidroxialcanoatos (PHA) são poliésteres bacterianos. Na sua biossíntese, a PHA sintase incorpora monômeros 3HA à cadeia polimérica. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar o potencial da PHA sintase de 2 isolados do gênero Burkholderia sp. na produção de copolímeros. Construiram-se linhagens recombinantes que abrigavam os genes da PHA sintase classe I, em mutantes de Pseudomonas sp. e Burkholderia sacchari, que não acumulam PHA. Foram realizados ensaios de acúmulo de PHA usando glicose como fonte de carbono, apresentando a produção de unidades de 3HB, 3HO e 3HD nas linhagens recombinantes de Pseudomonas sp. As linhagens recombinantes de B. sacchari incorporaram como único constituinte P(3HB). Ensaios de acúmulo de PHA foram realizados nas linhagens recombinantes de B. sacchari, usando como co-substratos diferentes ácidos graxos, sendo detectada a incorporação de unidades de 3HV e 3HHx além do 3HB, quando foram fornecidos acido hexanóico e valérico. Estes resultados indicam que as PHA sintases classe I são capazes de incorporar diferentes unidades monoméricas. / The polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are bacterial polyester. In their biosynthesis, the PHA synthase incorporates monomers 3HA to the polymer chain. The objective of this work was to study the potential of PHA synthase of 2 isolates of the genus Burkholderia sp. in the production of copolymers. Were constructed recombinant strains that housed the genes of PHA synthase class I mutants of Pseudomonas sp. and Burkholderia sacchari, which do not accumulate PHA. PHA accumulation assays were performed using glucose as carbon source, showing the production of units of 3HB, 3HO and 3HD in recombinant strains of Pseudomonas sp. The recombinant strains of B. sacchari incorporated as single constituent P(3HB). PHA accumulation assays were performed on the recombinant strains of B. sacchari, Using as co-substrates different fatty acids, being detected the incorporation of units of 3HV and 3HHx beyond the 3HB, when were supplied hexanoic acid and valerico. These results indicate that the PHA synthases class I are able to incorporate different monomer units.

Os polihidroxialcanoatos (PHA) são poliésteres bacterianos. Na sua biossíntese, a PHA sintase incorpora monômeros 3HA à cadeia polimérica. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar o potencial da PHA sintase de 2 isolados do gênero Burkholderia sp. na produção de copolímeros. Construiram-se linhagens recombinantes que abrigavam os genes da PHA sintase classe I, em mutantes de Pseudomonas sp. e Burkholderia sacchari, que não acumulam PHA. Foram realizados ensaios de acúmulo de PHA usando glicose como fonte de carbono, apresentando a produção de unidades de 3HB, 3HO e 3HD nas linhagens recombinantes de Pseudomonas sp. As linhagens recombinantes de B. sacchari incorporaram como único constituinte P(3HB). Ensaios de acúmulo de PHA foram realizados nas linhagens recombinantes de B. sacchari, usando como co-substratos diferentes ácidos graxos, sendo detectada a incorporação de unidades de 3HV e 3HHx além do 3HB, quando foram fornecidos acido hexanóico e valérico. Estes resultados indicam que as PHA sintases classe I são capazes de incorporar diferentes unidades monoméricas. / The polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are bacterial polyester. In their biosynthesis, the PHA synthase incorporates monomers 3HA to the polymer chain. The objective of this work was to study the potential of PHA synthase of 2 isolates of the genus Burkholderia sp. in the production of copolymers. Were constructed recombinant strains that housed the genes of PHA synthase class I mutants of Pseudomonas sp. and Burkholderia sacchari, which do not accumulate PHA. PHA accumulation assays were performed using glucose as carbon source, showing the production of units of 3HB, 3HO and 3HD in recombinant strains of Pseudomonas sp. The recombinant strains of B. sacchari incorporated as single constituent P(3HB). PHA accumulation assays were performed on the recombinant strains of B. sacchari, Using as co-substrates different fatty acids, being detected the incorporation of units of 3HV and 3HHx beyond the 3HB, when were supplied hexanoic acid and valerico. These results indicate that the PHA synthases class I are able to incorporate different monomer units.

Polihidroxialcanoatos (PHA) são poliésteres acumulados por diversas bactérias a partir de fontes renováveis e são termoplásticos, biodegradáveis e biocompatíveis. A variabilidade da composição monomérica de PHA determina suas propriedades mecânicas e permite seu uso em diversas aplicações. A PHA sintase é a enzima responsável pela polimerização do PHA. O objetivo deste trabalho foi à busca por genes codificadores desta enzima, construção e avaliação de recombinantes portando tais genes. Inicialmente buscaram-se novos genes de PHA sintase a partir de clones de uma biblioteca metagenômica previamente detectados por PCR como positivos para algum tipo de PHA sintase. Posteriormente buscou-se PHA sintases de classe III e construiram-se recombinantes de Pseudomonas sp e B. sacchari pela introdução de genes de C. vinosum (phaECCv). Nas duas recombinantes, os genes inseridos foram capazes de aumentar a fração de 3HHx em relação a linhagem selvagem, quando se utilizou glicose e hexanoato como fontes de carbono. / Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are polyesters accumulated from renewable sources by several bacteria and are thermoplastic, biodegradable and biocompatible. The variability of the PHA monomer composition determines its mechanical properties and allows their use in many applications. PHA synthase is the enzyme responsible for the polymerization of PHA. The objective was to search for genes encoding this enzyme, construction and the assessment of recombinant bacteria carrying such genes. Initially a screening of PHA synthase genes was made from a metagenomic library clones previously identified as positive by PCR for any type of PHA synthase. Later a search for class III PHA synthases was made as a construction of a recombinant Pseudomonas sp and B. sacchari by introducing genes of C. vinosum (phaECCv). In the two recombinant strains, the genes inserted were able to increase the fraction of 3HHx compared to the wild strain when glucose and hexanoate was used as carbon sources.

The thesis deals with bioinformatics analysis, the aim of which was to find a suitable producer of PHA for new generation industrial biotechnologies from the collection of found thermophilic bacteria. Part of experiments was the finding of several thermophilic bacteria based on the similarity of the protein sequence of the phaC gene of the bacterium Cupriavidus necator. The next part of thesis was a literature search of the abilities of these thermophilic bacteria focused on culture conditions and the spectrum of usable substrates. Subsequently, five bacteria were selected for use in NGBI based on the information obtained. Freely available databases were used during the experimental work, and evolutionary analysis were performed in MEGA X and Operon-mapper. Rubrobacter xylanophilus with collection number DSM 9941 was selected from the collection of bacterial strains as the most promising PHA producer for NGIB. The high culture temperature of up to 70 ° C and a large amount of utilized carbohydrate substrates were considered decisive. An interesting result of the analysis was to find the gene sequences of two classes of PHA synthase – I. and III. class, as for a single bacterial strain from the entire collection. Additional genes linked to PHA metabolism were found in genome analysis.

This diploma thesis deals with identification of bacteria which are capable of producing polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). Work included testing variety of genera including Pseudomonas, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, thermophilic cultures and samples gathered from natural sources. Bacteria were investigated by molecular technique polymerase chain reaction – PCR. An amplification of the PHA synthase gene (phaC) was analyzed. In the first reaction phaC and 16S rRNA genes were tested at the same time. 16S rRNA gene is used as control for bacterial DNA and as an identification tool for natural source samples. This multiplex PCR used multiple primers in PCR mix. Second reaction search for amplicon specific for catalysing biosynthesis mcl-PHA (phaC1). The presence of the PHA synthase gene was verified in 11 samples which were Bifidobacterium breve CCM 7825T, Lactobacillus rhamnosus CCM 1825T, Lactobacillus zeae CCM 7069T, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus CCM 7190T, Lactobacillus plantarum CCM 7039T, Pseudomonas gessardii, Pseudomonas fulva, Arthrobacter protophormiae, Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens, Mycobacterium neoaurum and Staphylococcus lentus.

Os microrganismos constituem dois terços da diversidade biológica na Terra, no entanto, muitos deles não podem ser cultivados por técnicas tradicionais. Portanto, o acesso a esta diversidade tem sido feita através da utilização de técnicas independentes de cultivo. Diante deste panorama, a metagenômica apresenta-se como uma alternativa, pois dispensa a necessidade de cultivo. Tal técnica possibilita inclusive a identificação e utilização do potencial metabólico destes organismos para o desenvolvimento de novos processos e produtos. Os polihidroxialcanoatos (PHAs) são poliésteres bacterianos, acumulados intracelularmente em forma de grânulos, cujas propriedades são similares a de alguns plásticos de origem petroquímica. O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar e avaliar a diversidade de genes relacionados à produção de PHAs em bibliotecas metagenômicas de solo. A prospecção realizada resultou na identificação de clones contendo o gene phaC. De uma forma geral, pôde-se concluir que ainda há uma grande diversidade deste gene a ser descoberta no ambiente estudado. / Microorganisms constitute two third of the Earth\'s biological diversity, however, many of them cannot be cultured by standard techniques. Therefore, access to this diversity has been achieved through the use of culture-independent techniques. Facing this scenario, the metagenomic presents itself as an alternative, since it eliminates the need for cultivation. This technique also allows the identification and use of the metabolic pathways of these organisms to develop new processes and products. The polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are bacterial polyesters accumulated as granules, whose properties are similar to some plastics of petrochemical origin. The aim of this work was to identify and access the diversity of genes related to PHAs production in soil metagenomic libraries. The screening resulted in the identification of clones containing the phaC gene. In a general way, it was concluded that there is still a considerable diversity of this gene to be discovered in the study environment.

Os microrganismos constituem dois terços da diversidade biológica na Terra, no entanto, muitos deles não podem ser cultivados por técnicas tradicionais. Portanto, o acesso a esta diversidade tem sido feita através da utilização de técnicas independentes de cultivo. Diante deste panorama, a metagenômica apresenta-se como uma alternativa, pois dispensa a necessidade de cultivo. Tal técnica possibilita inclusive a identificação e utilização do potencial metabólico destes organismos para o desenvolvimento de novos processos e produtos. Os polihidroxialcanoatos (PHAs) são poliésteres bacterianos, acumulados intracelularmente em forma de grânulos, cujas propriedades são similares a de alguns plásticos de origem petroquímica. O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar e avaliar a diversidade de genes relacionados à produção de PHAs em bibliotecas metagenômicas de solo. A prospecção realizada resultou na identificação de clones contendo o gene phaC. De uma forma geral, pôde-se concluir que ainda há uma grande diversidade deste gene a ser descoberta no ambiente estudado. / Microorganisms constitute two third of the Earth\'s biological diversity, however, many of them cannot be cultured by standard techniques. Therefore, access to this diversity has been achieved through the use of culture-independent techniques. Facing this scenario, the metagenomic presents itself as an alternative, since it eliminates the need for cultivation. This technique also allows the identification and use of the metabolic pathways of these organisms to develop new processes and products. The polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are bacterial polyesters accumulated as granules, whose properties are similar to some plastics of petrochemical origin. The aim of this work was to identify and access the diversity of genes related to PHAs production in soil metagenomic libraries. The screening resulted in the identification of clones containing the phaC gene. In a general way, it was concluded that there is still a considerable diversity of this gene to be discovered in the study environment.

This diploma thesis is focused on isolation and identification of thermophilic microorganisms capable of production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) in the sample of activated sludge from wastewater treatment. 6 culture samples were isolated from activated sludge by means of cultivation technics and methods of molecular biology. They were closer specified by comparing nucleotide sequences of 16S-rRNA gene and assigned to bacterial genus Anoxybacillus. The production of PHA by this genus was not reported in literature so far. Samples were confirmed to contain phaC gene that codes the enzyme PHA-synthase and they also gave a positive response to staining colonies with Nile red, what refers to presence of intracellular lipidic structures. However, the PHA production by isolates was not successful. The reason should be an inappropriate production medium or conditions. The positive phenotype result of Nile red dyeing was probably achieved by production of huge amount of lipids by bacterial cells that provides similar fluorescence than PHA granules.