Biopolymer production from microbiota of insectivorous plants – A novel sustainable approach

Insectivorous plants, like Drosera and Nepenthes, present an
intriguing yet underexplored habitat for the isolation of such microorganisms. These plants, which trap and digest insects, create a unique microenvironment enriched with diverse micro flora, potentially including bacteria capable of producing biopolymers. Insectivorous species such as Nepenthes and Drosera were collected from diverse geographical regions, including Sri Lanka, Assam, and wetlands of Tamil Nadu. This work aimed to explore insectivorous plants and their associated microbiota for the sustainable production of biopolymers. Microorganisms associated with these plants were isolated under sterile conditions, leading to the identification of novel
strains of Bacillus and Pseudomonas. These isolates were
cultured in MRS broth, and biopolymer extraction was achieved using precipitation methods. The work successfully screened and characterized microbial strains capable of biopolymer production, laying the foundation for their application in bioplastic development. The study showed promising results in isolating efficient strains for biopolymer synthesis. Planned downstream activities include optimization of media, scale-up fermentation, composite development, and application testing for food wrapping and heavy metal absorption. Future directions involve biodegradability testing and commercialization prospects. The findings indicating significant scientific and societal impact in promoting sustainable, biodegradable alternatives to synthetic plastics.

Keywords:
Insectivorous plants, Nepenthes, Pseudomonas, Biopolymer, Biodegradation