On the bioprotective effects of 3-hydroxybutyrate: Thermodynamic study of binary 3HB-water systems

Abstract

The comprehensive study of the phase behavior of sodium 3-hydroxybutyrate (Na3HB) in aqueous mixtures has shed new light on the recently revealed bioprotective role of this compound in poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)-accumulating microorganisms. The outstandingly hydrophilic nature of 3HB is shown, which is comparable with, but in some perspectives (solubility, water activity decreased in solution) even better than some well-recognized compatible solutes such as trehalose. This is of crucial importance also from the view of its potential application in the technological fields in which stabilization of biological molecules is required (e.g., cryopreservation, food preservation, cosmetics). The study also revealed that 3HB can form, depending on the conditions, at least two different crystalline forms: anhydrous crystal and crystalline dihydrates.

The comprehensive study of the phase behavior of sodium 3-hydroxybutyrate (Na3HB) in aqueous mixtures has shed new light on the recently revealed bioprotective role of this compound in poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)-accumulating microorganisms. The outstandingly hydrophilic nature of 3HB is shown, which is comparable with, but in some perspectives (solubility, water activity decreased in solution) even better than some well-recognized compatible solutes such as trehalose. This is of crucial importance also from the view of its potential application in the technological fields in which stabilization of biological molecules is required (e.g., cryopreservation, food preservation, cosmetics). The study also revealed that 3HB can form, depending on the conditions, at least two different crystalline forms: anhydrous crystal and crystalline dihydrates.