Named Biopolymer: Biopol (PHB)

The systematic name for this biopolymer is polyhydroxyalkanoate

(PHA). It is a co-polymer as it is made from two separate monomers
that have joined- the monomers are polyhdroxybutyrate (PHB) and
polyhydroxyvalerate (PHV). Industrially, microorganisms such as
Alcaligenes Eutrophus (A. Eutrophus) are used to sunthesis this
biopolymer, of which has very similar properties to certain valuable
petroleum derivatives such as polypropylene.
The bacterium is grown in tanks where they are given a substrate
(food source) rich in glucose and valeric acid. The biopolymer is
extracted from the organism by breaking down the cell wall of the
bacteria and separating it from the debris. Next, the collected
product must be purified. The PHA is dissolved in a chlorinated
hydrocarbon such as trichloromethane. The solid components that
are not soluble are then removed by centrifuge. After this, the PHA
is precipitated and the solid is dried.
The use of the bacteria A. Eutrophus, to produce this biopolymer,
however, is very expensive. This obstacle gave scientists the
initiative to develop ways that will allow the production of this
biopolymer in a more economically viable way.
Scientists came up with the development that allows for the
synthesis of the biopolymer via a more suitable organism. This was
accomplished through genetic engineering, where the gene from A.
Eutrophus that allows it to produce PHA is inserted into the E. Coli
bacteria. In doing so is more economically viable as E. Coli grows
faster than A. Eutrophus and holds a greater yield of PHA. In
addition, the extraction of PHA is easer as the accumulation of the
biopolymer, as the organisms are producing it, cause the E. Coli to
become fragile. Furthermore less biomass waste is produced as
compared to the use of A. Eutrophus.
This recent development in order to produce this biopolymer in a
more economically beneficial way has also extended to the genetic
engineering of agricultural crops. These crops include cresses and
potatoes; by being genetically engineered, the crops will cheaply
produce these biopolymers and store them as opposed to producing
and storing starch- as they naturally do. In using such methods,
these valuable resources to human society will be produced via a
renewable resource- ensuring that this method is sustainable for the
future.
The properties of the biopolymer PHA include the fact it is stable in
air and humid conditions. It is also biocompatible and biodegradable
when it is exposed to microorganisms. This is a major benefit as
compared to current synthetic polymers that are used today- that
are not biodegradable. Another significant property of this

biopolymer is that it is able to degrade in environments that lack

oxygen. This is significant as there are many environments, such as
river bottoms and landfills, which are known to lack oxygen. In
saying this, the use of this biopolymer will reduce landfill. Being
biodegradable, however, can also have its disadvantages. For
instance, Biopol may not be used for the production of underground
piping for obvious reasons of degradation. In saying this, if Biopol
were to be the main source of plastics, there would still have to be a
degree of dependency on plastics that have been manufactured via
petroleum derivatives. This is because they are not biodegradable,
which is in this case a benefit.
PHA, being biocompatible gives it more justification to be potentially
produced and used. For instance, it can be used for medicinal and
pharmaceutical applications such as sutures and coatings for drugs.
This biocompatibility means that the biopolymer is non-toxic,
reducing the rates of allergic reactions. Furthermore, compared to
todays synthetic plastics, the plastics that will be made from PHA
will inflict less hard to the environment. Not only will it degrade, but
also if animal were to consume a biopolymer plastic, less harm will
be inflicted than if a synthetic polymer plastic were to be consumed.
Being biodegradable and biocompatible comes with the assumption
that this biopolymer is weak and will not live up to the standards of
synthetic polymer products. This, however, is a false assumption as
PHA has a higher melting point, high tensile strength and is denser
than water. Furthermore, it is insoluble in water, permeable to
oxygen, UV light resistant and base and acid resistant. This opens
up many opportunities for uses such as utensils in the food industry,
wrapping and packaging, containers and even moisture barrier films
for hygienic products.
Uses for this biopolymer have also been extended for agricultural
use. It has potential, due to its non-toxicity and biodegradability, to
become a carrier of slow release chemicals that essentially act as
pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers.
The most significant reason is that it is extremely expensive as
compared to the current method as the prices of petroleum
derivatives still remain low. There are many people, including some
farmers that are against the genetic engineering or organisms- this
moral conflict would results in loss of consumers that are pivotal to
sustain the industry that produce the biopolymer.
Biopol still remains as an alternative that has significant benefits of
being biodegradable and biocompatible. The production of this
biopolymer will also decrease societys dependency on the current
depleting crude oil supplies, of which a major contributor to todays

issue of global warming via the enhanced greenhouse effect. The

reasons of such give much potential to Biopol to be produced and
used widespread as opposed to the use of petroleum derivatives.