Living systems synthesize seven different classes of polymers. They provide structure and form for cells and organisms, function as catalysts and energy storage and carry the genetic information. All these polymers possess technically interesting properties. Some of these biopolymers are already used commercially. This special volume of Advances in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology comprises 10 chapters. It gives an overview of the water insoluble biopolyesters, in particular of the microbially synthesized poly-hydroxyalkanoate (PHA) family. It reports the state of the art of metabolism, regulation and genetic background, the latest advances made in genetic optimization of bacteria, "construction" of transgenic plants and in vitro synthesis by means of purified enzymes. Furthermore, it describes relevant technologies and evaluates perspectives concerning increasing the economic viability and competitiveness of PHA and discusses applications in medicine, packaging, food and other fields.

This book's volumes 7 and 8 focus on polyamides and complex proteinaceous materials synthesized by bacteria and eukaryotic organisms, describing all aspects of their biosynthesis and metabolism as well as the production and isolation. The topics included are: poly(g-d-glutamate), cyanophycin, modifications of proteins, sweet-tasting proteins, motor proteins, enzymes for technical applications, self-assembling proteins, cell membranes, feathers, elastic proteins, silk proteins, adhesive proteins, protein composites, wool, collagens and gelatines.

Biopolymers represent the most abundant organic compounds in the biosphere and constitute the largest fraction of cells. Seven main classes of biopolymers are distinguished according to their chemical structures. This encyclopedia provides a throughout overview of the occurrence and metabolism of biopolymers. In addition, processes for biotechnological production, isolation from organisms and modification, material properties and technical applications in various areas such as, for example, in daily life products, medicine, pharmacy, the food industry, agriculture, textiles, the chemical industry and the packaging industry are provided. The future perspectives of biopolymers are outlined.

Volumes 5 and 6 focus on simple and complex polysaccharides which are synthesized by organisms as storage compounds, cell wall constituents or compounds at the surfaces of cells. Biosynthesis, metabolism, biodegradation, function, properties and applications of these biopolymers are described.

Topics included are: Aliginates Alternan Bioemulsan Carrageenan Cellulose Cell Wall Polysaccharides from Fungi Chitin Chitosan Curdlan Dextran Elsinan Emulsan Gellan Glycogen Glycopeptides Seed Gums Hyaluronan Inulin Levan Lipo-polysaccharides and other EPS Peptidoglycans from Archaea and Bacteria Pectin Pullulan Schizophyllan Scleroglucan Succinoglycan Starch Teichoic and Teichuronic Acids Xanthan

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, biodegradation.

Volumes 5 and 6 focus on simple and complex polysaccharides synthesized by organisms as storage compounds, cell wall constituents or compounds at the surfaces of cells. They describe biosynthesis, metabolism, biodegradation, functions, properties and applications of these biopolymers, covering such topics as: agar, alginates, alternan, carrageenan, cellulose, cell wall polysaccharides from fungi, fucogel, chitin, chitosan, curdlan, dextran, elsinan, emulsan, gellan, glycogen, glycolipids, glycopeptides, gums, hemicellulose, hyaluronan, inulin, levan, lipopolysaccharides and other eps, peptidoglycans from archaea and bacteria, pectin, pullulan, schizophyllan, scleroglucan, succinoglycan, starch, teichoic acids, teichuronic acids, xanthan.