Volumes 3a, b and 4 focus on polyesters synthesized by bacteria and eukaryotic organisms as well as all aspects of the biosynthesis and metabolism of these biopolymers together with their production and isolation. In addition, these volumes treat various synthetic polyesters and related polymers synthesized by the chemical industry for the manufacture of biodegradable materials. Topics include: polyhydroxyalkanoates, pha granules, non-storage phas, poly(malic acid), cutin, suberin, polyphosphate, polylactides, polyglycolide, polyanhydrides, polyesteramides, aliphatic organic polyesters and related polymers, in vitro synthesis of polyesters, chemical synthesis, biotechnological production by fermentation, isolation from plants, production in transgenic plants, and biodegradation.

A concise guide to the properties, production, patents and applications of polysaccharides and polyamides being successfully used in the food industry. Based on a selection of the very best articles from the "Biopolymers" series, each substance entry is similarly structured for an easy comparison of data. This comprehensive handbook features traditional and novel applications, such as sweet tasting proteins and is backed by extensive tables of patents.
More focused and affordable than the complete "Biopolymers" series, this is ideal for medium-sized laboratories and libraries for those working in the biotechnological and food industries.

This encyclopedia -- comprising 10 volumes plus cumulative index -- provides a thorough overview of the occurrence and metabolism of biopolymers. In addition, it treats processes for biotechnological production, isolation from organisms and modification, material properties and technical applications in areas such as:

• Medicine
• Pharmacy
• Agriculture
• Textiles
• The Food, chemical and packaging industries and even outlines the future prospects for biopolymers.

The final volume of this encyclopedia addresses such general aspects as methods for the analysis of polymer properties and technical processing. It also provides an overview of special applications in:
* electronics
* aerospace
* medicine and pharmacy
* food
* packaging
* construction
* engineering.
Further topics included are: biotechnological production of monomers for chemical polymer synthesis, conversion of raw materials, corrosion, composting, environmental impacts, health issues, legal, ecological and economic aspects.