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Biofunctionalization of Polymers and Their Applications

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Biofunctionalization of Polymers and their Applications

Part of the book series: Advances in Biochemical Engineering / Biotechnology ((ABE,volume 125))

Abstract

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a family of biopolyesters synthesized by many types of bacteria as carbon and energy reserve materials. PHAs combine properties of thermal processibility, biodegradability, biocompatibility and sustainability. They have attracted attention from fermentation, materials and biomedical industries. Recent environmental concerns such as CO2 emissions and plastic pollution as well as rapid exhaustion of petroleum resources have increased public and industrial interests in these unique materials. In fact, PHA has slowly evolved into an industrial value chain ranging from microbial fermentation, bioplastic packaging, biofuel, medical implants, drug delivery, protein purification, chiral chemicals and drug development. This chapter will discuss microbial PHA production and its applications in various fields.

An erratum to this chapter can be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/10_2011_100

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China

    Guo-Qiang Chen

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  1. Guo-Qiang Chen
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Correspondence to Guo-Qiang Chen .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Technical University Graz, Institut für Umweltbiotechnologie, Petersgasse 12/I, Graz, 8010, Austria

    Gibson Stephen Nyanhongo

  2. Technical University Graz, Institut für Biotechnologie und Bioproze, Petersgasse 12/I, Graz, 8010, Austria

    Walter Steiner

  3. Technical University Graz, Institut für Umweltbiotechnologie, Petersgasse 12/I, Graz, 8010, Austria

    Georg Gübitz

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Chen, GQ. (2010). Biofunctionalization of Polymers and Their Applications. In: Nyanhongo, G., Steiner, W., Gübitz, G. (eds) Biofunctionalization of Polymers and their Applications. Advances in Biochemical Engineering / Biotechnology, vol 125. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/10_2010_89

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