Bio-Based and Biodegradable Polymers

Abstract

Many types of biodegradable plastics are being developed in response to the concerns over the accumulation of commodity plastics in the environment. Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) stands out as an attractive material because it can be produced from renewable feedstock and subsequently it can be degraded completely by microorganisms. Approximately, 150 structurally different monomers can be polymerized into PHAs by bacteria, giving rise to polymers with diverse properties. Careful manipulation of the bacterial culture conditions and the carbon feedstock allows the design and synthesis of tailor-made polymers for various applications. This chapter focuses on the genetics and biochemistry of PHA biosynthesis in bacteria and recombinant organisms.