MICROBIAL-DEGRADATION OF POLYESTERS - A REVIEW ON EXTRACELLULAR POLY(HYDROXYALKANOIC ACID) DEPOLYMERASES

Thermoplastic polyesters such as biologically produced poly[(R)-3-hydr oxybutyric acid], other polyhydroxyalkanoic acids and related chemosyn thetic polyesters, have properties which make them valuable for many a pplications. In addition, these materials can be biodegraded to water and carbon dioxide. Many aerobic and anaerobic polyester-degrading mic roorganisms have been found in all moderate ecosystems. The microorgan isms decompose the polymers by secretion of extracellular polyester de polymerases and utilize low molecular weight degradation products. Thi s review summarizes the present knowledge on microbial extracellular p olyester depolymerases. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Limited. All rights reserved.