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Progress toward biologically produced Biodegradable Thermoplastics
Author(s) -
Poirier Yves,
Dennis Douglas E.,
Nawrath Christiane,
Somerville Chris
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
advanced materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.707
H-Index - 527
eISSN - 1521-4095
pISSN - 0935-9648
DOI - 10.1002/adma.19930050105
Subject(s) - materials science , bacteria , polymer , biodegradable polymer , genetically engineered , copolymer , nanotechnology , biodegradable plastic , polymer science , composite material , biology , biochemistry , genetics , gene
Genetically‐engineered bacteria which produce biodegradable polymers and copolymers with structures which depend on the culture in which they are kept are receiving increasing attention. Up to 90% of the dry weight of the bacteria can be intracellular granules of the plastic (see Figure), and the properties of the polymers can be controlled by varying the carbon‐based nutrition of the bacteria. Recent advances are reviewed, including the use of plants instead of bacteria.