Sulfur containing polyhydroxyalkanoate compositions and method of production

摘要

A class of biopolymer including sulfur in the form of a thioester in the polymer backbone or a thioether in the polymer side chains has been developed. These are preferably produced by fermentation of bacteria with appropriate sulfur containing substrates, which are incorporated by a broad spectrum polyhydroxyalkanoate ("PHA") polymerase. The sulfur-containing PHAs allow various applications and uses in industry. Representative embodiments of the applications of the sulfur-containing PHAs include their uses in the packaging industry, medicine, pharmacy, agriculture or food industry, as active agents or as coatings, packaging, or carriers.