Chapter 6

Current and Emerging Advanced Analytical Technologies for Biopolyesters Characterization

Giin-Yu Amy Tan, Liya Ge, Chaozhi Pan, Swee Ngin Tan and Jing- Yuan Wang

Abstract

Microbial polyester polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) is a carbon-neutral and environmental-friendly material with high commercial value due to its biodegradability and biocompatibility properties. PHA was originally thought to comprise of a single monomeric repeat unit of 3-hydroxybutyrate, but this notion has been since overthrown with the discovery of other chemically-distinct PHA monomers. To date, more than 150 PHA monomers have been documented. A PHA molecule may consist of two or more PHA monomers, endowing PHA polymer with high chemical diversity. This enables PHA materials of varied properties to be produced and tailored for applicationspecific purposes. However, the sheer number of chemically-diverse PHA monomers has also made the task of PHA analysis an extremely challenging one. Numerous techniques have been exploited for the detection, quantification, and characterization of microbial intracellular PHA and PHA polymers. New techniques are also continuously being developed with advancing instrumentation capabilities. This book chapter introduces the basic working principles underlying current and emerging PHA analytical techniques, and summarizes key protocols and information related to these techniques. The potential applications of emerging techniques are also highlighted and discussed.

Total Pages: 303-402 (100)

Purchase Chapter  Book Details

RELATED BOOKS

.Research Methodology and Project Management in Biotechnology.
.Recent Progress in Pharmaceutical Nanobiotechnology: A Medical Perspective.
.Recent Trends In Livestock Innovative Technologies.
.Algal Biotechnology for Fuel Applications.