Description
Book SynopsisThis is the first book to present a topical overview of the research and development of microbial polyesters. Comprehensive and amply illustrated, it covers the * biosynthesis * structure * properties * applications of these biodegradable and biocompatible thermoplastics. The book provides the reader with the necessary background to understand the nature and mechanism of biological polymerization. It unites aspects from both the biological and polymer sciences and is a typical modern example of the analysis of biological macromolecules.
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction
1.1 Microbial Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)
1.2 Microbial Poly(hydroxyalkanoates)
1.3 Environmentally Degradable Polyesters
References
Chapter 2 Fermentation and Analysis of Microbial Polyesters
2.1 Fermentation Production
2.1.1 Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)
2.1.2 Poly(hydroxyalkanoates)
2.2 Polymer Isolation
2.2.1 Solvent Extraction
2.2.2 Alkaline Hypochlorite Treatment
2.2.3 Enzyme Treatment
2.3 Analysis
2.3.1 Polyester Content of Cells
2.3.2 Composition of Copolymers
2.3.3 Molecular Weight
References
Chapter 3 Microorganisms and Poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates)
3.1 Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) in Microorganisms
3.1.1 Functions of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)
3.1.2 Structure of Native P(3HB) Granules
3.2 Biosynthesis of Poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates)
3.2.1 Alcaligenes eutrophus
3.2.2 Pseudomonas oleovorans
3.2.3 Other Bacterial Strains
3.3 Molecular Structures of Poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates)
3.3.1 Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyalerate)
3.3.2 Poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates-co-3-hydroxy--chloroalkanoates)
References
Chapter 4 Poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates) Metabolism
4.1 Pathways of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) Synthesis
4.2 Pathways of Poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates) Synthesis
4.3 Enzymology of Poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates) Synthesis
4.3.1 3-Ketothiolase
4.3.2 Acetoacetyl-CoA Reductase
4.3.3 P(3HB) Synthase
4.4 Pathways of P(3-hydroxybutyrate) Degradation
4.5 Cyclic Nature of Poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates) Metabolism
4.5.1 Replacement of P(3HB) by P(3HB-co-3HV)
4.5.2 Replacement of P(3HB-co-3HV) by P(3HB)
4.5.3 Application to PHA Fermentation
References
Chapter 5 Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate)
5.1 Alcaligenes eutrophus and Carbon Substrates
5.2 Molecular Structure
5.3 Biosynthetic Pathway
References
Chapter 6 Structure and Properties of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)
6.1 Crystal Structure and Properties
6.1.1 Crystal Structure
6.1.2 Solid-State Properties
6.2 Solution Properties
References
Chapter 7 Solid-State Properties of Copolyesters
7.1 Composition and Physical Properties
7.1.1 X-Ray Diffraction Analysis
7.1.2 Solid-State CP/MAS 13C-NMR Analysis
7.1.3 Mechanical Properties
7.2 Thermal Properties
7.2.1 Melting Temperatures
7.2.2 Glass-Transition Temperatures
7.2.3 Thermal Stability
7.3 Kinetics of Crystallization
References
Chapter 8 Biodegradation of Microbial Polyesters
8.1 Extracellular P(3HB) Depolymerase
8.1.1 Pseudomonas lemoignei
8.1.2 Alcaligenes faecalis
8.2 Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Copolyesters
8.3 Simple Hydrolysis of Polyesters
8.4 Applications and Prospects
8.4.1 Environmentally Degradable Plastics
8.4.2 Medical Applications
References
Index
