Conversion of glycerol into 1,3 propanediol by a novel Klebsiella pneumoniae KC-41

Residual glycerol is an inexpensive raw material originated from biodiesel industry and becoming of great environmental and economical concern due to its ever-growing surplus. Microbial fermentation processes attracts by converting the raw glycerol into the useful bi-products such as 1,3 propanediol (1,3-PDO). The aim of this study was the isolation and characterization of novel Klebsiella pneumoniae from the industrial waste samples for the conversion of crude glycerol into 1,3-PDO. Klebsiella pneumoniae KC-41 which could covert higher amount of glycerol and synthesize 1,3-PDO with comparatively higher concentration was identified and characterized. Based on the morphology, growth and glycerol utilization, the strain KC-41 was selected and 16S rRNA sequence of this strain displayed the highest degree of homology (99%) with the Klebsiella sp. Shake flask cultivation under aerobic condition, KC-41 strain consumed good amount of glycerol and produced comparatively better 1,3-PDO, whereas under anaerobic condition, cell growth was less and produced significant amount of 1,3-PDO. In fermentor level, the strain KC-41 showed better growth under aerobic and anaerobic conditions compared to the type culture stain. The consumption of crude glycerol was significantly higher than type culture stains and able to direct more carbon flow towards growth. Since KC-41 stain showed significant growth, it may be considered for the conversion of glycerol into 1,3-PDO, which can be widely used in polymer industry in production of polyethers, polyesters and polyurethanes.