What biopolymer are you doing? (1 Viewer)

DAAVE

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Is anyone else doing PHB (poly(beta-hydroxybutanoate) ?
 

sneeble

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I'm doing PHB.

I found it pretty interesting, so I memorised its structure and found ways of relating its properties (hence potential uses) to its structure. A little overboard, but that's my style :)
 

DAAVE

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Ok what are you guys writing about?

I'm saying:
-Similar properties to polypropylene
-Biodegradable
-Produced by bacterium like Alcaligenes eutrophus.
-Fed nutrients so they multiply rapidy, then one nutrient taken away.
-bacteria stops growing and begins making PHB for energy storage then the organism is harvested and separated from useful PHB?
-Research has led to implantation of the genes from the bacteria into plants, where it can be grown much easier.
 

Tommy_Lamp

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PHB = Polyhydroxybutanoate
Produced by the bacteria Alcigenes Eutrophus when it is overfed then its diet restricted to Nitrogen.
Uses: Shampoo Bottles, disposable diapers
Properties that make it good for its use: Biodegradable
Future developments: Genetically Modifying the cheaper and more common bacteria E.Coli to produce, hence making PHB production more cost-effective.

Not hard to learn.
 
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Tommy_Lamp

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Not really, that's the main property that makes it special. I guess you could throw in light-weight and water-proof if you wanted.
 

Paroissien

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Well if anyones doing PLA (polylactic acid)
Alcaligenes eutrophus is fed starch, which produces lactic acid monomers produced by the bacterial digestion. Condensation polymerisation occurs and you get PLA
Used for medical implants and disposable plastic
Properties: Strong, flexible and biodegradable
Current research: development of new strains of bacteria that can utilise different starch feedstocks
 

KungPow

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Thanks Paroissien that's great. I needed the info about current research.

Geez everyone's using biodegradable huh?
 

xeriphic

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other current research for PLA

- testing of PLA/polyester co-polymer film
- increasing the yield of lactic acid ester
 

bubble_tea

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Paroissien said:
Well if anyones doing PLA (polylactic acid)
Alcaligenes eutrophus is fed starch, which produces lactic acid monomers produced by the bacterial digestion. Condensation polymerisation occurs and you get PLA
Used for medical implants and disposable plastic
Properties: Strong, flexible and biodegradable
Current research: development of new strains of bacteria that can utilise different starch feedstocks
heh, im usin PLA too! but my specs are different to yours..

Enzyme used - fermenting bacteria
Uses - food packaging
properties - transparaent, disposable, strong, flexible, heat resistant.
 

Paroissien

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I figured one current research would be enough, but thanks because it probably won't be

And no speersy
 

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