PHAs (polyhydroxyalkanoates) are polyesters produced by microorganisms (bacterial fermentation of sugar). PHA are thermoplastic that can be processed on conventional processing equipment.
Physiological stress causes microorganisms to produce PHAs. The microorganisms synthesize PHAs as a carbon and energy store for future use when other energy sources are not available.
Microbes and microorganisms can also break PHA down into carbon dioxide and water.
Chromatography is a physical method of separation that distributes components to separate between two phases, one stationary (stationary phase), the other (the mobile phase) moving in a definite direction.
Chromatography can be used to investigate which microbes are better at producing and decomposing the polymers.
Chromatography is used to determine the type and quantity of polymer within the microorganism.
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This is a summary of the article “Chromatography Investigates Biodegradable Plastics” publsihed on chromatographytoday.com