Polyhydroxyalkanoate

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are polyesters produced in nature by numerous microorganisms, including through bacterial fermentation of sugar or lipids. When produced by bacteria they serve as both a source of energy and as a carbon sink.

Production

PHA is produced by microorganisms under nutrient-limited conditions with excess carbon. The most common type of microorganism used for PHA production is Cupriavidus necator. Other types of bacteria, such as Pseudomonas species, can also produce PHA.

Structure

PHA polymers are made up of hydroxy fatty acids. The structure of these polymers can vary, depending on the type of microorganism used for production and the conditions under which they are produced.

Properties

PHA has many properties that make it useful in a variety of applications. It is biodegradable, biocompatible, and thermoplastic. It also has good UV resistance and barrier properties, making it suitable for use in packaging and other applications.

Applications

PHA is used in a variety of applications, including packaging, agriculture, medicine, and biotechnology. In medicine, it is used for drug delivery, tissue engineering, and sutures. In biotechnology, it is used for the production of bioplastics.

Environmental Impact

PHA is biodegradable, meaning it can be broken down by microorganisms in the environment. This makes it a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional, petroleum-based plastics.

See Also

• Bioplastic
• Biodegradable plastic
• Bacterial fermentation
• Cupriavidus necator
• Pseudomonas