Authors: Orts, William J.; Nobes, Geoffrey A.R.; Kawada, Jumpei; Nguyen, Sophie; Yu, Ga-er; Ravenelle, François

Source: Canadian Journal of Chemistry, Volume 86, Number 6, June 2008 , pp. 628-640(13)

Publisher: NRC Research Press

Abstract:

This review describes the characterization and application of poly(hydroxyalkanoates), PHAs, a remarkable family of natural polyesters with a wide array of useful properties and potential applications. It places specific emphasis on the work of Robert H. Marchessault and his many colleagues outlining how Marchessault's body of work both shaped the field and complemented the work of his contemporaries. Particular attention will focus on the “rediscovery” of poly(β-hydroxybutyrate), PHB, the first PHA to be discovered, from the late 1950s onward, highlighting some of the historical aspects of PHA's path toward commercial applications. It will also cover why this class of materials is so unique, including PHA structure-properties relationships, its unique crystalline behaviour, in vivo - in vitro synthesis and degradation, and PHA-graft-copolymers.Key words: poly(hydroxyalkanoate), PHA, poly(β-hydroxybutyrate), PHB, biopolymers, bacterial polyester, random copolymers, polymer single crystals, graft copolymers.

Dans cette revue, on décrit la caractérisation et l'application des polyhydroxyalcanoates, PHA, une famille remarquable de polyesters naturels qui possèdent une grande variété de propriétés utiles et d'applications potentielles. On met l'accent sur les travaux de Robert H. Marchessault et de ses nombreux collaborateurs, en exposant les grandes lignes de la façon dont ces travaux ont orienté le domaine tout en apportant un complément à ceux de ses contemporains. On porte une attention particulière sur la “redécouverte” du poly(β-hydroxy butyrate), PHB, le premier PHA à être découvert depuis les années 1950 et on met l'accent sur quelques-uns des aspects historiques qui ont conduit les PHA vers des applications commerciales. On explicitera aussi pourquoi cette classe de matériaux est si unique, y compris les relations structure/propriétés des PHA, leur comportement cristallin unique, leur synthèse et leur dégradation in vivo/in vitro ainsi que les copolymères PHA greffés.Mots clés : polyhydroxyalcanoate, PHA, poly(β-hydroxybutyrate), PHB; biopolymères, polyesters bactéricides, copolymères aléatoires, cristaux uniques de polymères, copolymères greffés.[Traduit par la Rédaction]

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2008-06-01

More about this publication?

• Published since 1929, this monthly journal reports current research findings in all branches of chemistry. It includes the traditional areas of analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical-theoretical chemistry and newer interdisciplinary areas such as materials science, spectroscopy, chemical physics, and biological, medicinal and environmental chemistry. Full papers, preliminary communications and review articles are all welcomed.
• Information for Authors
• Submit a Paper
• Subscribe to this Title
• Terms & Conditions
• Sample Issue
• Reprints & Permissions
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Chemistry (General) ,  Inorganic Chemistry ,  Organic Chemistry
• By this author: Orts, William J. ;  Nobes, Geoffrey A.R. ;  Kawada, Jumpei ;  Nguyen, Sophie ;  Yu, Ga-er ;  Ravenelle, François

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers