Progress toward biologically produced Biodegradable Thermoplastics

Genetically‐engineered bacteria which produce biodegradable polymers and copolymers with structures which depend on the culture in which they are kept are receiving increasing attention. Up to 90% of the dry weight of the bacteria can be intracellular granules of the plastic (see Figure), and the properties of the polymers can be controlled by varying the carbon‐based nutrition of the bacteria. Recent advances are reviewed, including the use of plants instead of bacteria. magnified image