The Bacterial Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate) as Environmentally Biodegradable and Medical Polymer

Abstract This review is designed to be a comprehensive source for biodegradable polymer – poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) research – including fundamental structure/property relationships and biodegradation kinetics for samples of different geometry. In addition to presenting the scientific framework for the advances in PHB research, this review focuses on applications of PHB in biomedicine and environment with a discussion on commercial applications and health/safety concerns for biodegradable materials.