Biopolymers. Volume 10 : General aspects & special applications, Volume 10 Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Applications General Aspects and Special Applications Biopolymers Series

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, food industry, agriculture, textiles, chemical industry and packaging industry are provided. The future perspectives of biopolymers are outlined. This volume addresses general aspects of biopolymers such as methods for the analysis of polymer properties and technical processing of biopolymers. It also provides an overview of special applications in the following areas : electronics, aerospace, medicine and pharmacy, food, packaging, construction engineering, etc. 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.

Biodegradability of polymers: regulations and methods for testingEconomic aspects of biopolymer productionBiotechnological processes for production of monomers for subsequent chemical polymer synthesisBiopolymers in biofilms and corrosionHealth issues of biopolymersApplications of polyphosphate and other biopolymers in wastewater treatmentConversion of raw materials into biopolymersApplications of biopolymers in aerospace and automobilesLife cycle analysis of biodegradable polymers/plasticsBiodegradable plastics in the social and political environmentEnvironmental impacts of biopolymer productionBiopolymers in construction engineering

Alexander Steinbuchel has been Full Professor of Microbiology and Director of the Institute for Microbiology at the University of Munster since 1994. After his PhD in 1983 he spent one year at the Rockefeller University New York and in 1992 he received the Philip Morris Research Award. Alexander Steinbuchel has over 250 publications to his name and has organized several symposia focusing on biopolymers.