Synthesis, structure and properties of polyhydroxyalkanoates: biological polyesters

• Published in: Progress in polymer science Vol. 25; no. 10; pp. 1503 - 1555
• Main Authors: Sudesh, K, Abe, H, Doi, Y
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2000; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: 4-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB); Applied sciences; Biocompatibility; Biocompatible; Bioconversions. Hemisynthesis; Biodegradable; Biodegradation; Biological and medical sciences; Biosynthesis; Biotechnology; Enzymatic degradation; Exact sciences and technology; Freeze-fracture; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Methods. Procedures. Technologies; Microorganisms; Organic polymers; PHA synthase; Physicochemistry of polymers; Plastic deformations; Polycondensation; Polyesters; Polyhydroxyalkanoates; Polyhydroxybutyrate; Polymer blends; Preparation, kinetics, thermodynamics, mechanism and catalysts; Single crystals; Solid-state structure; Synthesis (chemical); Biodegradable; Polymer blends; PHA synthase; Biocompatible; 4-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB); Enzymatic degradation; Freeze-fracture; Solid-state structure; Single crystals; Polyhydroxybutyrate; Polyesters; Polyhydroxyalkanoates; Plastic deformations; Biodegradability; Aliphatic polymer; Preparation; Ester polymer; Reaction mechanism; Biosynthesis; Review; Physicochemical properties

High molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are synthesized and stored in the cell cytoplasm as water-insoluble inclusions by various microorganisms. This intriguing biological polyester initially attracted the attention of microbiologists and managed to keep many polymer scientists occupied o...