Diversity of biopolymers and biodegradability of synthetic polymers

Author: Shunsuke Matsumura
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-03-01
Features: Biopolymers can not only be synthesized in living organisms but are also the main components of cell dry weight. Based on their chemical structure, biopolymers are divided into 8 major categories. Written by internationally renowned experts in the field and translated by scholars from related disciplines in China, the Biopolymers series covers the existence forms and metabolic mechanisms of various biopolymers, as well as their biotechnological production methods, isolation and modification from living organisms, material properties, and their applications in numerous fields, such as daily-use industries, pharmaceutical industries, food industries, agriculture, textile industries, chemical industries, and packaging industries. It also outlines the development prospects of biopolymers. This book is the ninth volume of the Biopolymers series, with a focus on biodegradable polymers as the main theme. It primarily introduces various aspects of biodegradable polymers, including their biosynthesis, metabolism, biodegradation, functionality, characteristics, patent status, and development prospects. The book discusses biodegradable biopolymers such as malarial pigment, thymine-containing styrene polymers, polyesters, polyphosphates, polyhydroxylamines, polyketides, and natural polyacetals. It also provides detailed explanations of the biodegradation of synthetic polymers, such as cellulose, nylon, polycarbonate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyurethane, polystyrene, polyethylene, and polyanhydrides. This volume reflects the latest advancements in various polymer research, such as inorganic polyphosphates formed from polyanhydrides derived from widely existing eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms, inorganic polysulfides, inorganic sulfur polymers, polyesters, and inorganic poly sulfamic acids, which are named after their sulfur components. It also highlights recently discovered synthetic products, such as polyhydroxy fatty acids and polyhydroxy methionine. This volume presents many new findings, such as acyl polymers with very high molecular weights, the discovery and application of natural polyacetals, the synthesis of malarial pigment through the degradation of hemoglobin, and thymine-containing styrene polymers. The primary readers of this volume are graduate students and researchers in bioengineering, polymer materials, and other related fields at universities and research institutions. This volume is highly valuable for all personnel engaged in biopolymer research at universities, research institutions, and enterprises.