polyhydroksibutaatin

Polyhydroxybutyrate, often abbreviated as PHB, is a type of polyester that belongs to the family of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). These are naturally occurring bioplastics synthesized by various microorganisms as a way to store carbon and energy. PHB is a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer, meaning it can be broken down by natural processes and is generally safe for use in biological systems.

The primary monomer unit in PHB is (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate. The properties of PHB can vary depending on the molecular weight and the specific microbial strain producing it. It is typically a semi-crystalline thermoplastic with properties somewhat similar to polypropylene, including good rigidity and a relatively high melting point. However, PHB can be brittle, which has led to research into copolymers of PHB with other PHAs to improve its flexibility and processing characteristics.

Due to its biodegradability, PHB is considered a promising alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics, particularly for applications where disposability is desirable, such as packaging, agricultural films, and medical implants. Production of PHB is achieved through fermentation processes using bacteria that accumulate it as intracellular granules. These granules are then extracted and purified. While promising, the widespread commercial adoption of PHB faces challenges related to production costs and scaling up manufacturing processes.