Modern Biomaterials: World Trends, Place and Role of Microbial Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs)
Development of environmentally friendly materials that could be involved in the biospheric cycling is one of the key issues of the present time due to both environmental hazard caused by accumulation of synthetic materials in the biosphere and the needs of modern biomedical technologies. The study analyzes the state of the art and current international trends in biomaterials research and the position and role of degradable bioplastics synthesized by microorganisms (polyhydroxyalkanoates, PHAs). The data are reported on the processes and production of this class of polymers by world's leading companies; potentials for the development of commercial production of degradable PHAs in Russia are investigated. Institute of Biophysics SB RAS and Siberian Federal University have developed the technologies of the synthesis of PHAs with different chemical structure, exhibiting properties of high-crystallinity thermoplasts and construction elastomers, and used them in pilot production of these polymers. The researchers have constructed 2D and 3D polymer devices, implants, prostheses, biocompatible coatings, microcarriers of drugs and functioning cells as nanoparticles and ultra?ne ?bers; preclinical trials have been performed and clinical trials started. PHAs have been studied as material for packaging, for constructing fertilizer formulations and plant protectants; for biomedical applications.