Production of biopolyhydroxyalkanoates

This work focuses on developing high productivity and economically viable processes for the production of biopolyesters with potential uses in biomedical fields. High cell density fed batch cultures of Cupriavidus necator on waste glycerol were used to produce the copolymer P(3HB-co-4HB). The incorporation of 4HB monomers within the polymeric chain was achieved through the concomitant feeding of gamma-butyrolactone (GBL). Acetic and propionic acid were tested as stimulators to enhance 4HB incorporation. When propionic acid was used, a terpolymer P(3HB-co-4HB-co-3HV) was originated. P(3HB-co-4HB) copolymers with molar % of 4HB from 1.8 % to 12.3 % were produced with productivities between 0.09 g_P(3HB-4HB).L^-1.h^-1 and 0.79 g_P(3HB-4HB) L^-1.h^-1.