Cyanophycin Granule Polypeptide: a Neglected High Value-Added Biopolymer, Synthesized in Activated Sludge on a Large Scale
Kui Zou, Yu Huang, Bo Feng, Taiping Qing, Peng Zhang, You‐Peng Chen
Abstract
The conversion of organic pollutants into bioresources by activated sludge can reduce the carbon dioxide emission of wastewater treatment plants. Identification of new high value-added biopolymers produced by activated sludge is beneficial to recover bioresources. Cyanophycin granule polypeptide (CGP), first discovered in cyanobacteria, has unique chemical and material properties suitable for industrial food, medicine, cosmetics, water treatment, and agriculture applications. Here, we revealed for the first time that activated sludge has a remarkable ability to produce CGP. These findings could further facilitate the conversion of wastewater treatment plants into resource recycling plants.