Abstract: Methods of producing a bioplastic are disclosed. Furthermore, chimeric polypeptides useful to transport polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are disclosed, as are polynucleotides that code for the chimeric polypeptides, cells harboring the chimeric polypeptides and methods of transporting PHAs.

Abstract: A system and method for harvesting and processing algae, the system and method including harvesting algae by mechanical or chemical system and processing the harvested algae to produce at least one of biodiesel, biosolvents, bioplastics, biogas, or fertilizer.

Abstract: A method of producing bioplastics from algae, the method including processing algae to yield an aqueous phase containing glycerol, and fermenting the aqueous phase with a bioplastic-producing bacteria to yield bioplastics.

Abstract: A bioreactor, including at least one rotating drum, a substrate on the drum whereon a biofilm may grow, a rotational device rotating the drum and substrate, and a harvesting device.

Abstract: An apparatus that exposes a biofilm growth surface to liquid media as it rotates. A biofilm growth substratum is wound around a rotatable body in the form of a non-rigid material capable of supporting biofilm growth. A harvester receives the biofilm laden substratum, collects the biofilm as a biomass and reloads the substratum onto the rotatable body.

Abstract: Methods of producing a bioplastic are disclosed. Furthermore, chimeric polypeptides useful to transport polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are disclosed, as are polynucleotides that code for the chimeric polypeptides, cells harboring the chimeric polypeptides and methods of transporting PHAs.

Abstract: A method for determining whether a microorganism is capable of biodegrading a contaminant can include the following: providing a first set of DNA molecules consisting of fragments of genomic DNA of a contaminant-degrading mycobacterium; contacting under hybridizing conditions, the first set of DNA molecules with a second set of DNA molecules consisting of genomic DNA of a microorganism, wherein it is not known whether or not the microorganism biodegrades a contaminant; and detecting hybridization between the first set of DNA molecules and the second set of DNA molecules, wherein the hybridization between the first and second sets is an indication that the microorganism is capable of biodegrading a contaminant.

Abstract: The present invention includes a contaminant-degrading composition for use in remediation of contaminated soil having a selected contaminant. Such a composition can include a seed for a plant capable of growing in the presence of the selected contaminant, and a contaminant-degrading mycobacteria on the seed. Additionally, the present invention includes a contaminant-degrading system for use in remediation of contaminated soil having a selected contaminant. Such a system can include a plant growing in the contaminated soil, and contaminant-degrading mycobacteria colonized on a root of the plant, wherein the mycobacteria is capable of degrading the selected contaminant. The mycobacteria can be capable of degrading the selected contaminant, such as PAHs, PCPs, MTBEs, and the like. Additionally, the contaminant-degrading mycobacteria can be at least one of M. KMS, M. JLS, or M MCS. Also, the contaminant-degrading mycobacteria can have nid dioxygenase genes, which can further include a nidB-nidA sequence motif.

Abstract: A method for determining whether a microorganism is capable of biodegrading a contaminant can include the following: providing a first set of DNA molecules consisting of fragments of genomic DNA of a contaminant-degrading mycobacterium; contacting under hybridizing conditions, the first set of DNA molecules with a second set of DNA molecules consisting of genomic DNA of a microorganism, wherein it is not known whether or not the microorganism biodegrades a contaminant; and detecting hybridization between the first set of DNA molecules and the second set of DNA molecules, wherein the hybridization between the first and second sets is an indication that the microorganism is capable of biodegrading a contaminant.