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Polyhydroxyalkanoates or PHAs are Polyesters produced in nature by numerous Microorganisms, including through Bacterial Fermentation of Sugars or Lipids. When produced by Bacteria they serve as both a source of energy and as a Carbon store. More than 150 different Monomers can be combined within this family to give Materials with extremely different properties.

Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (P3HB) is probably the most common type of Polyhydroxyalkanoate, but other Polymers of this class are produced by a variety of Organisms: these include Poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB), Polyhydroxyvalerate (PHV), Polyhydroxyhexanoate (PHH), Polyhydroxyoctanoate (PHO) and their Copolymers.

The picture shows the molecular structure of some of the PHAs:

• Poly-3-hydroxyvalerate (PHV)

• Poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB)

• Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)

They can be either thermoplastic or elastomeric Materials, with melting points ranging from 40 to 180°C. The mechanical properties and biocompatibility of PHA can also be changed by blending, modifying the surface or combining PHA with other Polymers, Enzymes and Inorganic Materials. These Plastics are biodegradable and are used in the Production of Bioplastics.

Source: Wikipedia, Polyhydroxyalkanoates & Polyhydroxybutyrate

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