Polyhydroxyalkanoates
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Certain strains of Bacillus subtilis bacteria can be used to produce polyhydroxyalkanoates.
Polyhydroxyalkanoates are linear polyesters produced naturally by bacterial fermentation of sugar or lipids. More than 150 different monomers can be combined within this family to give materials with extremely different properties. These plastics are biodegradeable and are used in the production of bioplastics. Applications: packaging and coatings, hygienic articles, fibers, adhesives, carriers of flavoring substances in foods, biodegradable fishing nets, etc. Also various medical applications (e.g. implant materials, suture materials, controlled release of active principles).