Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of poly (hydroxy fatty acids) as well as recombinant bacterial strains for carrying out the process. In addition, new poly(hydroxy fatty acids) and new substrates for the production of conventional and new poly(hydroxy fatty acids) are described. Moreover, the invention also relates to a DNA fragment, which codes for a PhaE and a PhaC component of the poly(hydroxy fatty acid) synthase from Thiocapsa pfennigii, as well as the corresponding poly (hydroxy fatty acid) synthase protein.

Abstract: A nucleant system for polyhydroxyalkanoates and other thermoplastic polyesters comprises a class of organophosphorous compounds having at least two phosphonic acid moieties. The compounds can be used to effectively increase polymer crystallization rates and result in desirable properties in polymer-derived articles of manufacture, particularly when used in combination with effective nucleating agent solvents, organic metal salts, inorganic metal oxides, metal hydroxides or metal carbonates, and/or weak organic bases.