Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) for therapeutic applications

Abstract

As intracellular carbon and energy storage materials, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are a diverse biopolyesters synthesized by many bacteria. PHA have been produced in large quantity for various application research including medical implants for approximately 30 years. Many studies demonstrated that PHA are promising implant materials due to their diverse and ascendant mechanical, biodegradable and tissue compatible properties. Importantly, common PHA biodegradation products including oligomers and monomers are also not toxic to the cells and tissues. Pharmaceutical applications of some PHA degradation products also have been reported. So far, no study has been reported to have any carcinogenesis result induced by any PHA or their biodegradation products. All results suggest that PHA could be developed into various bio-implant products.