Microbial polyesters: Synthesis and applications

Microbial polyesters, such as poly(hydroxyalkanoates) and poly(hydroxy acids), represent a potential sustainable replacement for fossil fuel-based plastics/polymers. They are gaining increasing attention in the biodegradable polymers market either for applications in the biomedical field or as bioplastics for packaging or agricultural applications, for example. In this chapter, we will first describe the structures of microbial (co)polyesters and their classification. Then, the different synthesis routes of microbial polyesters and their copolymers, their main characteristics (processability, biodegradability and biocompatibility) and their main applications will be presented. Finally, the future prospects of such microbial polyesters will be exposed.