Year: 2009
Type: review
Abstract: Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are a family of polyesters synthesized by microorganisms under unbalanced growth conditions. PHA including poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), copolymers of 3-hydroxybutyrate and 3-hydroxyvalerate (PHBV), poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB), copolymers of 3-hydroxybutyrate and 3-hydroxyhexanoate (PHBHHx), and poly-3-hydroxyoctanoate (PHO) are now available in sufficient quantity for tissue engineering medical application studies due to their reasonable biocompatibility, adjustable mechanical properties, and controllable biodegradability. This paper reviews many achievements based on PHA for medical devices development, tissue repair, artificial organ construction, drug delivery, and nutritional/therapeutic uses. Combined with the recent FDA approval for P4HB clinical application, one can expect a good prospect for PHA application in the medical fields.
Authors: Qiong Wu, Yang Wang, Guo-Qiang Chen
Institution: Tsinghua University
Language: English
Subfield: Biomaterials
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
Funder: Shantou University
OpenAlex ID: W2086611100