Aims: This study evaluates potentials of Cupriavidus necator PHB4 transformant harboring the highly active
polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase gene (phaC) of a locally isolated Chromobacterium sp. USM2 for its ability to
incorporate 3-hydroxyheptanoate (3HHp) monomer.
Methodology and results: A mixture of fructose and sodium heptanoate fed to the culture gave rise to poly(3-
hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate-co-3-hydroxyheptanoate), [P(3HB-co-3HV-co-3HHp)] terpolymer synthesis, with
traces of 3HHp monomers confirmed through gas chromatography (GC), proton (1H) and carbon (13C) NMR spectra.
Conclusion, significance and impact of study: This study has revealed that the PHA synthase of Chromobacterium
sp. USM2 has a broad range of substrate specificity. The synthase is able to polymerize 3-hydroxyalkanoate monomers
having 4–7 carbon atoms.