BACKGROUND Production of biopolymers has gained considerable attention because of their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and as suitable replacements for mineral-based polymers. Despite advances in production process, a notable drawback still exists due to high production cost. The aim of this paper is to provide a production strategy for cost reduction. The suggested process may be adopted to other polymers, useable to wide audience in biopolymer research. RESULTS Dual production of two commercially important biopolymers, P(3HB) and γ-PGA, in a single batch from cheap substrates was studied, as proof of concept, for a feasible low cost dual biopolymer production. The dual production from a single batch yielded 1 g/L P(3HB) and 0.4 g/L γ-PGA using Bacillus subtilis OK2 (B. subtilis OK2). When orange peel was substituted as a cheap carbon source for dual production, coupled pH and dissolved oxygen control proved to be essential to overcome the inhibition imposed by the non-sugar components of the substrate. The cell lysis and release of P(3HB) granules in the dual production medium can be exploited of as a new approach for separation of this polymer. CONCLUSION This proof of concept study provides a new approach from upstream to downstream processing for low cost production of dual biopolymers. |