Biopolymer (Volume 9) Diversity of Biopolymers and Biodegradability of Synthetic Polymers

Author: (Japan) Hidetoshi Matsumura, (Germany) Steffen Bickel, Editors-in-Chief; Zhu Chunbao, Chief Translator
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-03-01
Features: Biopolymers not only synthesize in organisms but are also the main components of cell dry weight. They are classified into 8 major categories based on their chemical structure. Written by internationally renowned experts in the field and translated by scholars from relevant domestic disciplines, the Biopolymers series covers the existence forms and metabolic mechanisms of various biopolymers, as well as their biotechnological production methods, isolation and modification from organisms, material properties, and their applications in numerous fields, such as consumer goods industry, pharmaceutical industry, food industry, agriculture, textile industry, chemical industry, and packaging industry. 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 the biosynthesis, metabolism, biodegradation, functionality, characteristics, patent status, and development prospects of various polymers. The book discusses biodegradable biopolymers, such as malarial pigment, thymine-containing styrene polymers, polyester sulfones, polyphosphates, polyhydroxylamines, polyketones, and natural polyacetals. It also provides detailed explanations of the biodegradation of synthetic polymers, such as alternatives to 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 of widely existing eukaryotic and prokaryotic sources, inorganic polysulfides, inorganic sulfur polymers, polyester sulfones, and inorganic poly sulfamic acids, 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 discoveries, including acetal polymers with very high molecular weight, 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. It holds significant reference value for all personnel engaged in biopolymer research at universities, research institutions, and enterprises.