homopoly3HB

Homopoly3HB refers to a homopolymer composed solely of 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) repeating units. This type of polymer is a member of the polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) family, which are polyesters produced by microorganisms through the fermentation of sugars or lipids. 3HB is the most common monomer found in naturally occurring PHAs. Homopoly3HB, specifically poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) or P(3HB), is a biodegradable and biocompatible thermoplastic. It is synthesized by a wide range of bacteria, including *Cupriavidus necator* (formerly *Ralstonia eutropha*), as an intracellular energy storage material. P(3HB) exhibits properties such as stiffness, moderate tensile strength, and good barrier properties to gases and moisture. However, it can be brittle and has a relatively narrow processing window due to its high melting point and tendency to degrade at elevated temperatures. These limitations have led to research into copolymerization with other hydroxyalkanoates to improve its mechanical properties and processability. P(3HB) and its derivatives hold potential applications in areas such as biodegradable packaging, medical devices, and tissue engineering, owing to their biocompatibility and biodegradability.

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