Storing carbon and energy: bacteria

Bacteria store carbon and energy by synthesizing a polymer known as poly(beta-hydroxybutyrate) or PHB.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

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Biomimetic Application Ideas

Biodegradable plastic.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"Geoffrey Coates and others at Cornell University have discovered a highly efficient chemical route for synthesis of a polymer known as poly(beta-hydroxybutyrate) or PHB, a thermoplastic polyester found in nature, particularly in some bacteria. Bacteria use it as a storage form of carbon and energy. According to Coates's website...'Poly(hydroxyalkanoate)s (PHAs) are naturally-occurring biodegradable polyesters that are presently commercially made by fermentation. We are working to develop an alternate route that consists of carbonylation of epoxides to beta-lactones, followed by ring-opening polymerization to yield PHAs. A key advance in our lab regarding this strategy was the discovery of epoxide carbonylation catalysts consisting of Lewis-acidic cations in combination with Co(CO)4 anions. These highly active and selective catalysts carbonylate a wide range of epoxides and lactones to their corresponding lactones and anhydrides. Current work focuses on the elucidation of their mechanisms of operations, and the development of more active and stereoselective variants of these catalysts.'" (Courtesy of the Biomimicry Guild)

About the inspiring organism

Bacteria
Bacteria

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Biodegradable plastic.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Manufacturing

Experts

The Coates Research Group
Geoffrey Coates
Cornell University

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