D. Byrom, THE SYNTHESIS AND BIODEGRADATION OF POLYHYDROXYALKANOATES FROM BACTERIA, International biodeterioration & biodegradation, 31(3), 1993, pp. 199-208
The natural occurrence of polyhydroxyalkanoates is discussed together
with the nature of the synthetic cycle of these microbial storage mate
rials and the enzymes involved in the regulation of their metabolism.
A description of large scale PHB production and product recovery is gi
ven. The biodegradable properties of these materials under varying cir
cumstances of landfill and composting are discussed together with meth
ods of assessing biodegradation. Future prospects for the use of PHB-b
ased products are assessed.