Abstract: Compositions of polymer blends of polyvinylchloride (PVC) and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) are described. In certain embodiments, the PHA is a poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate copolymer having a weight percent 4-hydroxybutyrate of 30-45%. In other embodiments the PHA is a multiphase P3HB-4HB copolymer blend having one phase fully amorphous. The PHA is mixed with the PVC to optimize its optical, thermal and mechanical properties. In certain embodiments, the polymer is branched with optionally additives that improve properties. Methods of making the compositions of the invention are also described. The invention also includes articles, films and laminates comprising the compositions.

Abstract: Compositions of polymer blends of polyvinylchloride (PVC) or polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or polyoxymethylene (POM) and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) are described. In certain embodiments, the PHA is a poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate copolymer having a weight percent 4-hydroxybutyrate of 30-45%. In other embodiments the PHA is a multiphase P3HB-4HB copolymer blend having one phase fully amorphous. The PHA is mixed with the PVC or PMMA or POM to optimize its optical, thermal and mechanical properties. In certain embodiments, the polymer is branched with optionally additives that improve properties. Methods of making the compositions of the invention are also described. The invention also includes articles, films and laminates comprising the compositions.

Abstract: Compositions of polymer blends of polyvinylchloride (PVC), a low molecular weight plasticizer and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) are described. In certain embodiments, the PHA is a poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate copolymer having a weight percent 4-hydroxybutyrate of 30-45%. In other embodiments the PHA is a multiphase P3HB-4HB copolymer blend having one phase fully amorphous. The PHA is mixed with the PVC and low molecular weight plasticizer to optimize the PVC's optical, thermal and mechanical properties. In certain embodiments, the polymer is branched with optionally additives that improve properties. Methods of making the compositions of the invention are also described. The invention also includes articles, films and laminates comprising the compositions.

Abstract: Compositions of biobased polymer blends of polymers of polybutylene succinate (PBS) or polybutylene-adipate-terephthalate (PBAT) and a polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer are described. In certain embodiments, the copolymer is a multiphase copolymer blend having one phase a glass transition temperature of about ?5° C. to about ?50° C. Methods of making the compositions of the invention are also described. The invention also includes articles, films and laminates comprising the compositions.

Abstract: Toughened polyhydroxyalkanoate resin compositions are disclosed, comprising thermoplastic polyhydroxyalkanoate compositions and a toughener comprising a vinyl acetate homopolymer or copolymer and optionally polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: Compositions of polymer blends of polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoate are described. In certain embodiments, the PHA is a multiphase copolymer blend having one phase a fully amorphous phase with a glass transition temperature of below 20° C. and is between about 5 to about 45% of the total PHA. Methods of making the compositions of the invention are also described. The invention also includes articles, films and laminates comprising the compositions.

Abstract: Processes and methods for making ultra-pure (>99.50% by weight), biobased crotonic acid, gamma-butyro lactone, acrylic acid and delta-valerolactone from renewable carbon resources are described herein.

Abstract: Transgenic plants, plant material, plant cells, and genetic constructs for synthesis of biopolymers, for example polyhydroxyalkanoates (“PHA”) are provided. In one embodiment, the transgenic plants synthesize polyhydroxybutyrate (“PHB”). In one embodiment the transgenic plant encodes siRNA for one or more of the genes encoding enzymes for producing PHA. In a more preferred embodiment, the siRNA expression is under the control of an inducible regulatory element. In another embodiment, the transgenic plant contains transgenes that encode expression enzymes that will degrade the polymer. In a preferred embodiment, the expression of these enzymes is under the control of a germination specific, inducible, or minimal promoter. In another embodiment, the transgenic plant contains transgenes encoding enzymes that increase carbon flow for polymer synthesis. In a preferred embodiment, these transgenes encode enzymes that increase carbon flow in the Calvin Cycle.

Abstract: A polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer composition is provided. The composition comprises a plurality of polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules. The polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules (i) comprise 3-hydroxybutyrate monomers and 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers, (ii) have a monomeric molar percentage of 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers of 23.5 to 75%, and (iii) have a biobased content of ?80%. Also provided is a method of making a polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer composition. The method comprises culturing an organism in the presence of one or more carbon raw materials under conditions under which (a) the one or more carbon raw materials are converted to 3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA and 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA and (b) the 3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA and the 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA are polymerized to form the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules, thereby forming the composition. The organism has been genetically engineered to comprise particular enzymatic activities, and to not comprise other particular enzymatic activities.

Abstract: Transgenic plants that produce high levels of polyhydroxybutyrate and methods of producing them are provided. In a preferred embodiment the transgenic plants are produced using plastid transformation technologies and utilize genes which are codon optimized. Stably transformed plants able to produce greater than 10% dwt PHS in tissues are also provided.

Abstract: Recombinant hosts for producing polyhydroxyalkanoates and methods of producing polyhydroxyalkanoates from renewable carbon substrates are provided. Certain recombinant hosts that produce 5 carbon chemicals such as 5-aminopentanoate (5AP), 5-hydroxyvalerate (5HV), glutarate, and 1,5 pentanediol (PDO) are also provided. One embodiment provides a recombinant host expressing a gene encoding a heterologous enzyme selected from the group consisting of a polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase and a 5-hydroxyvalerate-CoA (5HV-CoA) transferase, wherein the host produces a polymer containing 5-hydroxyvalerate. Preferably, the host expresses both a polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase and a 5HV-CoA transferase. The host can be prokaryotic or eukaryotic. A preferred prokaryotic host is E. coli. The polymers produced by the recombinant hosts can be homopolymers or copolymers of 5-hydroxyvalerate. A preferred copolymer is poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-5-hydroxyvalerate).

Abstract: Processes and methods for making biobased gamma-butyrolactone from renewable carbon resources are described herein.

Abstract: A method for producing an aqueous PHA emulsion or latex comprising predominantly amorphous PHA polymers or copolymers with polymer dispersants or surfactants is described.

Abstract: Compositions of PHAs with PBS and/or PBSA are described and methods of making the same.

Abstract: Branched PHA compositions, and related methods and articles are disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions comprising linear polyhydroxyalkanoates and biodegradable aromatic/aliphatic polyesters are disclosed, as well as methods for using same, and articles made therefrom.

Abstract: Disclosed are organisms genetically engineered to make useful products when grown on ethanol as a carbon source. The organisms are genetically engineered to produce various useful products such as polyhydroxyalkanoates, diols, diacids, higher alcohols, and other useful chemicals.

Abstract: Compositions of PHAs with PBS and/or PBSA are described and methods of making the same.

Abstract: Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from which pyrogen has been removed are provided. PHAs which have been chemically modified to enhance physical and/or chemical properties, for targeting or to modify biodegradability or clearance by the reticuloendothelial system (RES), are described. Methods for depyrogenating PHA polymers prepared by bacterial fermentation processes are also provided, wherein pyrogens are removed from the polymers without adversely impacting the polymers' inherent chemical structures and physical properties. PHAs with advantageous processing characteristics, including low melting points and/or solubility in non-toxic solvents, are also described. The PHAs are suitable for use in in vivo applications such as in tissue coatings, stents, sutures, tubing, bone, other prostheses, bone or tissue cements, tissue regeneration devices, wound dressings, drug delivery, and for diagnostic and prophylactic uses.

Abstract: Post purification processes and methods for making pure biobased gamma-butyrolactone from renewable carbon resources comprising filtration and/or distillation and/or peroxide treatment are described herein.