Synthesis and Biodegradation of Optically Active Polymers Based on (R)‐3‐Hydroxybutyric Acid

Abstract

AbstractPlastics contribute to several industrial activities, but they also cause environmental pollution. Additionally, they rely on an ever‐decreasing supply of natural, but non‐renewable, resources. Such plastics should be replaced by materials that are biodegradable and made from renewable resources such as polymers. They are synthesized from plant‐derived (R)‐3‐hydroxybutyric acid and l‐lactic acid meet these requirements. Most of the synthesized poly((R)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐l‐lactate) with various monomer composition ratios were degraded by enzymes (PHB depolymerase or Proteinase K). Evaluation of biodegradability in activated sludge showed that copolymers with 80% or less of l‐lactic acid units were degraded.