Polyhydroxyalkanoates and their advances for biomedical applications

Abstract

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are sustainable, versatile, biocompatible, and bioresorbable polymers that are suitable for biomedical applications. Produced via bacterial fermentation under nutrient-limiting conditions, they are uncovering a new horizon for devices in biomedical applications. A wide range of cell types including bone, cartilage, nerve, cardiac, and pancreatic cells, readily attach grow and are functional on PHAs. The tuneable physical properties and resorption rates of PHAs provide a toolbox for biomedical engineers in developing devices for hard and soft tissue engineering applications and drug delivery. The versatility of PHAs and the vast range of different PHA-based prototypes are discussed. Current in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo development work are described and their regulatory approvals are reviewed.

Keywords: bacterial fermentation; biocompatible; biomedical applications; bioresorbable; polyhydroxyalkanoates; sustainable biomaterials.