polühydroksialkanoaatid

Polyhydroxyalkanoates, often abbreviated as PHAs, are a class of polyesters that are biodegradable and biocompatible. They are produced by microorganisms as intracellular storage materials. These compounds serve as a carbon and energy reserve for bacteria, accumulating in granules within the cytoplasm when nutrients are abundant but other essential elements are limited.

The structure of PHAs consists of repeating units of hydroxyalkanoic acids, linked together by ester bonds. The specific properties of a PHA depend on the length and type of the hydroxyalkanoic acid monomers incorporated into the polymer chain. Common examples include poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV).

PHAs are synthesized through various microbial fermentation processes, where specific bacteria are cultured under controlled conditions. Once produced, the PHAs can be extracted and purified for various applications. Their biodegradability is a key characteristic, allowing them to be broken down by microorganisms in the environment into carbon dioxide and water, thus offering a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics.

The applications of PHAs are diverse and include packaging materials, medical devices such as sutures and tissue engineering scaffolds, and agricultural films. Their biocompatibility makes them suitable for biomedical uses, while their biodegradability addresses environmental concerns related to plastic waste. Research continues to explore new PHA types and optimize production methods for broader commercial viability.