AGRE-0006 Novel Biosynthetic Routes for and Biodegradation of Polyhydroxy Alkanoates Made by Genetically Engineered Strains of Bacteria and Plants

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Biopolymers/Gums : Biotechnology : ECLAIR Cluster III - Carbohydrates : Paints/Coatings/Plastics

AGRE-0006 Novel Biosynthetic Routes for and Biodegradation of Polyhydroxy Alkanoates Made by Genetically Engineered Strains of Bacteria and Plants 1 January 1991 - 31 December 1991

A number of species of bacteria produce granules of material within their cells which have the properties of thermoformable plastics and which are both biodegradable and compatible with living systems. Biodegradability is of value in many applications where the object concerned is likely to be placed into the open environment (eg horticultural mulches) but only expected to last a finite time, where it may be discarded as litter or disposed of through biological treatment systems (composting, anaerobic digestion). The properties of biological compatibility is of value in medical applications. A main constraint in the use of such microbial products, including polyhydroxybutyrate and its copolymer with hydroxyvaleric acid, is economic. This constraint can be overcome by increasing productivity, simplifying the process and extending the range of materials. These were some of the objectives of this project, supported under the ECLAIR programme, which extended to examination of biodegradation in a number of environmental situations. The main objectives focused on both the various microorganisms which produce such materials and the biochemistry and genetics of the synthetic pathways. This knowledge was then used to facilitate an alternative to fermentation as the manufacturing process - that is to grow the material in plants. To do this the individual genes have to be identified, cloned and monitored in the recipient host plant using specific antibody assays. Some of the genes involved have been expressed in tobacco and rape plants. Extensive information has been collected on the microbiology and biochemistry of synthesis of a number of materials in various types of bacteria. The rates of degradation of various materials have also been compared under different environmental conditions, and have been shown to depend on environment, temperature and polymer composition.

Contacts

Coordinator

• Dr D BYROM / ICI Biological Products UNITED KINGDOM

EC Scientific Officer

• Ciarán MANGAN / European Commission - DG Research Quality of Life Programme - Unit B1.2 / BELGIUM