Biopolymer Research

Biopolymer chosen: Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)

Enzyme/organisms that produce PHB

PHB is a type of polyester polymer that is produced by bacteria such as
Alcaligenes entrophus in response to physiological stress. This polymer is
produced by these micro-organisms as a source of energy storage
molecule to be used (metabolised) when their usual energy sourced is not
available.
PHB can also be
produced from
condensation of 3Hydroxy butanoic
acid

Uses of PHB
PHB is produced from biological fermentation of renewable carbohydrate
feedstock and is mostly used as a thermoplastic which remains stable in
everyday life, but will slowly decompose in to its natural component. The
thermoplastic made from PHB allows them to be made into disposable
containers for shampoo, cosmetic etc. and disposable razors, cutlery,
rubbish bags and plastic. Also, as it can slowly decompose in the body,
this allows them to be used in many medical applications as well. One
example is biocompatible stiches that dissolve or are absorbed by the
body.
Properties of PHB relevance to its potential use
PHB has attracted many commercial interests as a plastic material
because it has extremely favourable physical properties. Firstly, it has a
high melting point and a high tensile strength. These two properties allow
them to be suitable to be made in to firm and hard material such as
cutlery and container. These are further favoured by its non-toxic and
corrosion resistant properties which again, reinforce their safety in
producing products and thus, place their value way above metals and

other plastic material. Furthermore, since it is non-toxic and is

biocompatible; it cannot be rejected by the bodys immune system;
therefore, they can be safely used in many medical applications such as
stitches for injuries.
Evaluation of the use of PHB in relation to its properties
PHB has many favourable properties which allow it to be used in a diverse
range of production and applications. These include its bio-compatible
property which allows them to be used safely as medical application
without doing any damages to the body. Secondly, its biodegradable
property means it will not accumulate as landfills and therefore, reduce
the pollution and environmental impacts on organisms. Furthermore, their
high tensile strength and boiling point enable it to be used as cutlery and
container. These uses and properties of PHB indeed make it attractive for
commercial interests. However, there are two main factors that still the
barrier in preventing the widespread use of PHB. Firstly, producing plastic
from PHB is much more expansive than producing plastics from
petrochemical. This makes them economically unviable. Also, the PHB
currently produced are extremely brittle which makes the break easily
(this is because they are permeable to oxygen).
Overall, it is not advised to use PHB currently as it is currently very
expensive to produce it and the plastic produced is currently too brittle to
come in to uses. However, if its economically viable and stronger in
property in future, it should definitely be used as a plastic as it is
biodegradable which enables to minimise environmental impact.
Progress in developing PHB
Much research is going into the improvement of PHB production. Current
research are mainly focused into using genetic technology (producing
genetically modified plant) to produce better bacteria-based plastic which
is cheaper to produce and has better properties. This will allow PHB to be
widely used and thus, make effective use of its already desirable
properties.

Comparison of properties to PET

PHB and PET (poly(ethylene terephthalate) share many common
properties. Both PHB and PET are strong, rigid and have a great tensile
strength. Also, both of them are non-toxic and have high boiling and
melting point. However, unlike PHB, PET is not biodegradable and will
remain in the landfill waste and thus, poses an environmental risk.

Furthermore, PET is cheaper to produce than PHB and is not as brittle as

PHB because it is not permeable to oxygen.