Bacterial polymers: biosynthesis, modifications and applications

Abstract

Bacteria can synthesize a wide range of biopolymers that serve diverse biological functions and have material properties suitable for numerous industrial and medical applications. A better understanding of the fundamental processes involved in polymer biosynthesis and the regulation of these processes has created the foundation for metabolic- and protein-engineering approaches to improve economic-production efficiency and to produce tailor-made polymers with highly applicable material properties. Here, I summarize the key aspects of bacterial biopolymer production and highlight how a better understanding of polymer biosynthesis and material properties can lead to increased use of bacterial biopolymers as valuable renewable products.