Miscellaneous biopolymers & biodegradation of synthetic polymers

STEINBUCHEL Alexander

Biopolymers. Volume 9

Publication date : 10-2002

Description
Biopolymers represent the most abundant organic compounds in the biosphere and constitute the largest fraction of cells. Seven main classes of biopolymers are distinguished according to their chemical structures. This encyclopedia provides a thorough overview of the occurrence and metabolism of biopolymers. In addition, processes for biotechnological production, isolation from organisms and modification, material properties and technical applications in various areas such as, for example, in daily life products, medicine, pharmacy, food industry, agriculture, textiles, chemical industry and packaging industry are provided. The future perspectives of biopolymers are outlined. In its first part Volume 9 focusses on biosynthesis, metabolism, biodegradation, functions, properties and applications of miscellaneous polymers such as hemozoin, thymine-containing styrene polymers, polythioesters, polyphosphate, polyhydroxymethionine, polyketides, natural polyacetals. The biodegradation of a wide range of synthetic polymers is treated in the second part of the volume, e.g. substituted cellulose, nylon, polycarbonate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyurethanes, polystyrenes, polyethylene, polyanhydrides.

Summary
Hemozoin: a Biopolymer Synthesized During the Degradation of Hemoglobin Thymine Containing Styrene Polymers as Environmentally Benign Photoresists Polythioesters Metabolism of Natural Polymeric Sulfur Compounds Polyphosphate Polyhydroxymethionine Polyketides Natural Polyacetals Biodegradation of Substituted Cellulose Biodegradation of Nylon and other Synthetic Polyamides Biodegradation of Polycarbonate Biodegradation of Polyethers of PHA synthesis Biodegradation of Polyvinyl Alcohol and its Copolymers Biodegradation of Polyacrylic Acid and Related Polymers Biodegradation of Polyurethanes Biological Susceptibility of Polystyrenes Biodegradation of Polyethylene and Related Polymers Biodegradation of Polyanhydrides Biodegradation of Silicon and Organosiloxanes Biodegradation of Poly(alkylcyanoacrylate) Biodegradation of Polyphosphazenes Biodegradation of Polydioxanone Biodegradation of Polysaccharides.