Polyhrdoxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a class of microbially produced polyesters with diverse materials properties. In principle, PHAs should offer an attractive biorenewable and biodegradable alternative to petroleum-based plastics, but the currently high production cost and low production volume largely limit their applications as commodity bioplastics. In addition, the structure of bio-derived PHAs is typically confined to possessing saturated alkyl side chains and has a limited control over copolymer composition that also requires metabolic engineering to redirect metabolic flux. Recently we reported an efficient catalyzed chemical synthesis of highly crystalline, perfectly isotactic poly(3-hydroxybutryate) (P3HB), the most prominent member of the PHA family with materials properties comparing well to those of high-performance isotactic polypropylene. Mirroring that synthesis, we have endeavored the synthesis of PHAs with uncommon alkyl groups or unnatural aromatic and unsaturated alkenyl groups. Herein, this presentation will discuss our recent efforts in these synthetic fronts as well as investigation into thermal and mechanical properties of such unusual PHAs.

Catalyzed chemical synthesis of uncommon or unnatural polyhydroxyalkanoates

2019 Fall National Meeting

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