Characterization of 3D Printed Poly(3-Hydroxybutyric-Co-3-Hydroxyvalerate) by Fused Granular Fabrication through Thermal and Mechanical Analyses

Poly[R-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-(R-3-hydroxyvalerate)] (PHBVs) copolymers are promising biopolymers, which could substitute petroleum-based plastics for various applications. PHB and PHBV pellets were processed on a customized 3D printer via Fused Granular Manufacturing (FGM) approach modified with a Mahor screw extruder. To anticipate the behaviour of PHBVs when transformed using conventional thermo-mechanical shaping processes, thermal and mechanical analyses were carried out in order to better understand the effect of annealing temperature on their crystallization behaviour and mechanical properties of PHB polymer and PHBV copolymer. The objectives of the present work were to propose an experimental strategy to study the melting and crystallization events, crystalline structure changes, and mechanical performances of both PHB homopolymer and PHBV copolymer according to identical thermal annealing treatments. A monitoring of 3D printed PHB and PHBV structures was achieved by coupling Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and tensile tests. .

BIOSYNTHESIS AND THERMAL PROPERTIES OF POLY(3-HYDROXYBUTYRATE-co-3-HYDROXYVALERATE)WITH LARGE VARIETY OF HYDROXYVALERATE CONTENTS BY BACILLUS CEREUS

Biosynthesis and thermal properties of poly（3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate） （PHBV） with different HV （hydrovalerate） content produced by a Bacillus cereus strain were investigated. A large variety of HV contents （up to about 90 mol%） of PHBV could be produced by this strain. Combined nitrogen sources containing both yeast extract and ammonium sulphate were better for cell growth and polyhydroxyalkanoates （PHA） production than either yeast extract or ammonium sulphate alone. Propionic acid is more favorable for the production of HV content than that of valeric acid. Finally, thermal properties of PHBV produced by this strain are found close to the results of other groups.

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) supports adhesion and migration of mesenchymal stem cells and tenocytes

AIM: To establish the potential of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx) as a material for tendon repair. METHODS: The biocompatibility of PHBHHx with both rat tenocytes (rT) and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) was explored by monitoring adhesive characteristics on films of varying weight/volume ratios coupled to a culture atmosphere of either 21% O2 (air) or 2% O2 (physiological normoxia). The diameter and stiffness of PHBHHx films was established using optical coherence tomography and mechanical testing, respectively. RESULTS: Film thickness correlated directly with weight/volume PHBHHx (r2 = 0.9473) ranging from 0.1 mm (0.8% weight/volume) to 0.19 mm (2.4% weight/volume). Film stiffness on the other hand displayed a biphasic response which increased rapidly at values > 1.6% weight/volume. Optimal cell attachment of rT required films of ≥ 1.6% and ≥ 2.0% weight/volume PHBHHx in 2% O2 and 21% O2 respectively. A qualitative adhesion increase was noted for hMSC in films ≥ 1.2% weight/volume, becoming significant at 2% weight/volume in 2% O2. An increase in cell adhesion was also noted with ≥ 2% weight/volume PHBHHx in 21% O2. Cell migration into films was not observed. CONCLUSION: This evaluation demonstrates that PHBHHx is a suitable polymer for future cell/polymer replacement strategies in tendon repair.

Silk fibroins modify the atmospheric low temperature plasma-treated poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) film for the application of cardiovascular tissue engineering

Tissue engineered scaffold is one of the hopeful therapies for the patients with organ or tissue damages. The key element for a tissue engineered scaffold material is high biocompatibility. Herein the poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx) film was irradiated by the low temperature atmospheric plasma and then coated by the silk fibroins (SF). After plasma treatment, the surface of PHBHHx film became rougher and more hydrophilic than that of original film. The experiment of PHBHHx flushed by phosphate buffer solution (PBS) proves that the coated SF shows stronger immobilization on the plasma-treated film than that on the untreated film. The cell viability assay demonstrates that SF-coated PHBHHx films treated by the plasma significantly supports the proliferation and growth of the human smooth muscle cells (HSMCs). Furthermore, the scanning electron microscopy and hemotoylin and eosin (HE) staining show that HSMCs formed a cell sub-monolayer and secreted a large amount of extracellular matrix (ECM) on the films after one week's culture. The silk fibroins modify the plasma-treated PHBHHx film, providing a material potentially applicable in the cardiovascular tissue engi-neering.

Effect of poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates) as natural polymers on mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)are stromal multipotent stem cells that can differentiate into multiple cell types,including fibroblasts,osteoblasts,chondrocytes,adipocytes,and myoblasts,thus allowing them to contribute to the regeneration of various tissues,especially bone tissue.MSCs are now considered one of the most promising cell types in the field of tissue engineering.Traditional petri dish-based culture of MSCs generate heterogeneity,which leads to inconsistent efficacy of MSC applications.Biodegradable and biocompatible polymers,poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates)(PHAs),are actively used for the manufacture of scaffolds that serve as carriers for MSC growth.The growth and differentiation of MSCs grown on PHA scaffolds depend on the physicochemical properties of the polymers,the 3D and surface microstructure of the scaffolds,and the biological activity of PHAs,which was discovered in a series of investigations.The mechanisms of the biological activity of PHAs in relation to MSCs remain insufficiently studied.We suggest that this effect on MSCs could be associated with the natural properties of bacteria-derived PHAs,especially the most widespread representative poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)(PHB).This biopolymer is present in the bacteria of mammalian microbiota,whereas endogenous poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)is found in mammalian tissues.The possible association of PHA effects on MSCs with various biological functions of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)in bacteria and eukaryotes,including in humans,is discussed in this paper.

Evaluation of Biodegradation in Aqueous Medium of Poly(Hydroxybutyrate-Co-Hydroxyvalerate)/Carbon Nanotubes Films in Respirometric System

Biodegradable polymers have been increasingly used for scientific and commercial applications because they are similar to some conventional thermoplastics and exhibit the ability of self-degradation.Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)(PHBV)nanocomposites films with 1 and 2 wt% of carbon nanotubes(CNT)were prepared by solution mixing,followed by solvent evaporation.In this work,PHBV/CNT nanocomposites were submitted to biodegradation in an aqueous medium for 34 days through a respirometric system.Then,the PHBV films were analyzed by the CO2 production and mineralization as a response of a microbial attack,which was monitored by back titration during all the experiment.The films were also characterized by measuring the weight loss;crystallinity was evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry(DSC)and the surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy(SEM).By analyzing the weight loss of the films,it was observed that adding CNT increases the resistance to biodegradation process.The obtained values of CO2 production and mineralization of the samples,as well as the values of weight loss,showed that the biodegradation of PHBV/CNT nanocomposites was minor in comparison to neat PHBV.The addition of CNT in PHBV matrix influences the surface morphology,causing the presence of cavities and an increase of roughness.

嗜水气单胞菌胞内聚3-羟基丁酸-3-羟基己酸酯(PHBHHx)提取方法的研究

以嗜水气单胞菌利用月桂酸发酵生产PHBHHx,比较多种溶剂对提取率和产品质量的影响,建立了嗜水气单胞菌胞内提取PHBHHx的新方法。本方法使用湿细胞提取,节省干燥细胞的能耗,仲丁醇无异味、毒性小、价格低廉,而且可以循环多次利用、对相对分子质量影响小,解决了工业生产上能耗高,生产成本高,溶剂回收难,安全隐患多,提取率不高、产品质量低等问题。用仲丁醇作溶剂,预处理细胞提取率提高13%,相对分子质量达83万,提取率达78%,产品纯度达99%以上。

The Effects of Accelerated Photooxidation on Molecular Weight and Thermal and Mechanical Properties of PHBV/Cloisite 30B Bionanocomposites

The effects of accelerated photooxidation on the molecular weight and thermal and mechanical properties of Cast PHBV and PHBV/Cloisite 30B(3 wt%)bionanocomposites are investigated herein.Through size exclusion chromatography(SEC)analysis,a significant decrease in both weight and number average molecular weights was observed for all irradiated samples over time,resulting from the chain scission mechanism.Differential scanning calorimetry(DSC)data indicated a decrease in degree of crystallinity and melting temperature after UV exposure,with the appearance of double melting peaks related to the changes in the crystal structure of PHBV.Thermal stability,tensile and thermo-mechanical properties were also reduced consecutively in photooxidation,being more pronounced for Cast PHBV.This study shows that the incorporation of Cloisite 30B in PHBV provides a better resistance to photooxidation in comparison with the neat polymer.

Nanofibrous nerve conduits for repair of 30-mm-long sciatic nerve defects

It has been confirmed that nanofibrous poly（3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate） nerve conduit can promote peripheral nerve regeneration in rats. However, its efficiency in repair of over 30-mm-long sciatic nerve defects needs to be assessed. In this study, we used a nanofibrous poly（3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate） nerve conduit to bridge a 30-mm-long gap in the rat sciatic nerve. At 4 months after nerve conduit implantation, regenerated nerves were macroscopi- cally observed and histologically assessed. In the nanofibrous graft, the rat sciatic nerve trunk had been reconstructed by restoration of nerve continuity and formation of myelinated nerve fiber. There were Schwann cells and glial cells in the regenerated nerves. Masson＇s trichrome staining showed that there were no pathological changes in the size and structure of gastrocnemius muscle cells on the operated side of rats. These findings suggest that nanofibrous poly（3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3- hydroxyvalerate） nerve conduit is suitable for repair of long-segment sciatic nerve defects.

The Effects of Gamma Irradiation on Molecular Weight, Morphology and Physical Properties of PHBV/Cloisite 30B Bionanocomposites

In this paper,the effects of gamma irradiation on Cast poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)(PHBV)and PHBV/Cloisite 30B(C30B)(3 wt%)bionanocomposite prepared by melt compounding,were evaluated at various doses,i.e.,5,15,20,50 and 100 kGy at room temperature in air.Changes in molecular weight,morphology and physical properties were investigated.The study showed that the main degradation mechanism occurring in gamma irradiation in both Cast PHBV and C-PHBV/3C30B bionanocomposite is chain scission,responsible for the decrease of molecular weight.Differential scanning calorimetry(DSC)data indicated a regular decrease in crystallization temperature,melting temperature and crystallinity index for all irradiated samples with increasing the dose.Further,DSC thermograms of both Cast PHBV and PHBV bionanocomposite exhibited double melting peaks due probably to changes in the PHBV crystal structure.Tensile and DMA data showed a reduction in Young’s modulus,strength,elongation at break and storage modulus with the radiation dose;the decrease was however more pronounced for Cast PHBV.The morphological damages were much less pronounced for the PHBV bionanocomposite sample compared to Cast PHBV,for which some irregularities and defects were observed at 100 kGy.This study highlighted the ability of C30B to counterbalance the detrimental effect of radiolytic degradation on the functional properties of PHBV up to 100 kGy,thus acting as a potential anti-rad.

Production of Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate-co-3-Hydroxyhexanoate) Using Aeromonas hydrophila 4AK4 Grown in Mixed Carbon Source

Aeromonas hydrophila 4AK4 was grown on mixed substrates of soybean oil and lauric acid for the production of polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer consisting of 3 hydroxybutyrate (3HB) and 3 hydroxyhexanoate (3HHx). A maximal poly(3 hydroxybutyrate co 3 hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx) content of 49.13% in dry cells was obtained in a shake flask culture. PHBHHx of 6.26 g/L was produced in a fermentation experiment over 48 h on a sole carbon source containing 100 g/L soybean oil, while 12.40 g/L PHBHHx was produced on a mixed carbon source containing 80 g/L soybean and 20 g/L lauric acid over the same period of time, resulting in a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) productivity of 0.25 g/(L·h). The results show that mixed carbon sources are suitable for industrialized production of PHBHHx from A. hydrophila 4AK4, as the mixed carbon sources also overcome the foaming problem that occurs when lauric acid is employed as a sole carbon source in PHBHHx production.

Production of Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate-co-3-Hydroxyhexanoate) by Aeromonas hydrophila and Recombinant Escherichia coli

Aeromonas hydrophila (A. hydrophila) 4AK4 produced poly(3 hydroxybutyrate co 3 hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx) with an almost constant 3 hydroxyhexanoate (3HHx) content of 10%15% from lauric acid and/or soybean oil. Both A. hydrophila 4AK4 and recombinant Escherichia coli (E. coli) JMU193 (pBH32) produced PHBHHx with controllable 3HHx content when fed lauric acid and another co substrate. With glucose or gluconate as the co substrate, the 3HHx content in the copolyester produced by A. hydrophila 4AK4 was reduced slightly from 12% to 9%. However, the 3HHx content in the copolyester produced by E. coli JMU193 (pBH32) was significantly reduced from 9% to 2% with fructose as the co substrate. These results show that regulation of 3HHx content in PHBHHx can be achieved using genetically engineered E. coli.

Effects of Quenching Temperature and Time on Pore Diameter of Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) Porous Scaffolds and MC3T3-E1 Osteoblast Response to the Scaffolds

Poly（3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate） （PHBHHx） scaffolds were prepared by thermally inducing phase separation （TIPS） for bone reconstruction. Scanning electron microscopy and porosity measurements were used to analyze the structure and properties of the scaffolds. The pore diameter of the scaffolds could be easily controlled by changing the quenching temperature and time. The biocompatibility was assessed by examining the proliferation and morphology of MC 3T3-E1 osteoprogenitor cells seeded on the scaffolds. Cultures grown in the presence of a source of phosphate ions showed the formation of a mineralized extracellular matrix. The results indicate that PHBHHx scaffolds prepared using TIPS are a promising candidate for bone reconstruction.

Investigation of polyhydroxyalkanoates （PHAs） biosynthesis from mixed culture enriched by valerate-dominant hydrolysate

The production of polyhydroxyalkanoates （PHAs） with a high fraction of 3-hydroxyvalerate （3HV） and 3-hydroxy-2-methylvalerate （3H2/MV） from mixed culture enriched by valerate-dominant hydrolysate was evaluated in this study. After long-term enrichment, the culture showed strong ability to synthesize 3HV and 3H2MV, even with acetate-dominant substrate. The ultilization of single or mixed iso-/n-valerate by the enriched culture showed that the mixture of iso-valerate and n-valerate was more efficient substrate than any single in tenaas of balancing microbial growth and PHAs synthesis. Besides, through comparing the kinetics and stoichiometry of the tests supplying valerate and propionate, the enriched culture with equivalent valerate and propionate （1 ： 1 molar ratio） exhibited superior PHAs production performances to pure valerate or propionate, attaining more than 70 tool% of 3HVand 3H2MV. The above findings reveal that valerate-dominant hydrolysate is a kind of suitable substrate to enrich PHAs producing culture with great capability to synthesize 3HV and 3H2MV monomers, thus improving product properties than pure poly（3-hydroxybutyrate） （P3HB）; also 3HV and 3H2MV production behaviors can be regulated by the type of odd-carbon VFAs in the substrate.

3MP组分可控的共聚酯P(3MP-co-3HB)体外合成及产物性质分析

[目的]以3-巯基丙酸(3MP)作为第二组分,利用设计的单相反应体系实现共聚酯P(3MP-co-3HB)中3MP组分的可控合成,并分析3MP组分掺入对聚羟基丁酸酯(PHB)性质的影响。[方法]根据设计的P(3MP-co-3HB)体外合成途径,利用体外重组表达纯化的乙酰辅酶A合成酶(ACSPt)、CoA转移酶(PCT_(Cp))、PHA合酶(PhaCRe)作为催化剂,以不同摩尔比的(R)-3-羟基丁酸[(R)-3HB]和3MP作为底物,合成共聚物P(3MP-co-3HB)s。利用1H-NMR、GPC、DSC和TG等测试手段分析产物的结构与热性质。[结果]产物的1H-NMR结果表明,3MP∶3HB的摩尔比为0∶1、1∶3和1∶1时,分别合成PHB、P(55.4 mol%3MP-co-3HB)和P(70 mol%3MP-co-3HB),产量分别为2.00 g/L、0.72 g/L和0.26 g/L。产物的GPC结果表明,随着3MP摩尔组分的增加,共聚物的Mn由40.10 kDa增加至45.40 kDa,Mw由91.00 kDa增加至102.80 kDa,PDI在2.25~2.27范围。DSC、TG测试结果表明,P(55.4 mol%3MP-co-3HB)和P(70 mol%3MP-co-3HB)的Tm、Td分别为134.90℃、112.50℃和239.70℃、271.40℃。[结论]利用设计的OPRS可合成含高3MP摩尔比例的P(3MP-co-3HB)s,其3MP组分在0 mol%~70 mol%范围内可控。含有3MP组分的共聚酯能很好地改善PHB的加工性能。

Production of Biodegradable Copolyesters and Terpolyesters of Polyhydroxyalkanoates by Alcaligenes latus DSM 1124

Copolyesters of 3 hydroxybutyrate and 4 hydroxybutyrate along with terpolyesters of 3 hydroxybutyrate, 3 hydroxyvalerate and 4 hydroxybutyrate were produced using Alcaligenes latus DSM 1124 in growth media with precursors of 1,4 butanediol or 1,4 butanediol and valerate. Monomer mass fraction w in the copolyesters varied from 63% to 78% 3 hydroxybutyrate and 1 5% to 6 5% 4 hydroxybutyrate (cell dry weight), depending on precursor supplied. w(monomer) in the terpolyesters varied from 55% to 69% 3 hydroxybutyrate, 0 5% to 3 4% 4 hydroxybutyrate and 3 4% to 16% 3 hydroxyvalerate.

Comparative evaluation of physico-chemical characteristics of biopolyesters P（3HB） and P（3HB-co-3HV） produced by endophytic Bacillus cereus RCL 02

BACKGROUND： Bacteria endogenously residing within the plant tissues have attracted significant attention for production of biopolyester, polyhydroxyalkanoates （PHAs）. Bacillus cereus RCL 02 （MCC 3436）, a leaf endophyte of oleaginous plant Ricinus communis L. accumulates 81% poly（3-hydroxybutyrate） [P（3HB）] of its cell dry biomass when grown in mineral salts （MS） medium. METHODS： The copolymer production efficiency of B. cereus RCL 02 was evaluated in valeric acid supplemented MS medium under biphasic cultivation condition. The copolymer so produced has been compared with the P（3HB） isolated from RCL 02 in terms of thermal, mechanical and chemical properties. RESULTS： Valeric acid supplementation as co-substrate in the medium has led to the production of copolymer of 3- hydroxybutyrate （3HB） and 3-hydroxyvalerate （3HV） [P（3HB-co-3HV）] with 14.6 mol% 3HV. The identity of the polymers has been confirmed by X-ray diffraction （XRD） analysis, Fourier transform infrared （FTIR） and nuclear magnetic resonance （NMR） spectroscopic studies. Thermogravimetric analysis （TGA） revealed that P（3HB） and P（3HB-co-3HV） films degraded at 278.66℃ and 273.49℃, respectively. The P（3HB-co-3HV） showed lower melting temperature （165.03℃） compared to P （3HB） （170.74℃） according to differential scanning calorimetry （DSC）. Incorporation of 3HV monomers decreased the tensile strength （21.52 MPa）, tensile modulus （0.93 GPa）, storage modulus （E＇） （0.99 GPa） and increased % elongation at break （12.2%） of the copolyester. However, P（3HB） showed better barrier properties with lower water vapor transmission rate （WVTR） of 0.55 g-mil/100 in2/24 h. CONCLUSION： These findings emphasized exploration of endophytic bacterial strain （RCL 02） to produce biodegradable polyesters which might have significant potential for industrial application.

聚羟基脂肪酸酯/植物多酚共聚物的合成及表征

基于生物基热塑性聚羟基脂肪酸酯(PHAs)与绿色植物多酚,利用偶联反应制备了一系列生物可降解的聚(3-羟基丁酸酯-co-3-羟基戊酸酯)(PHBV)/茶多酚(TP)共聚物(PHTP)。利用红外光谱、差示扫描量热、热台偏光显微镜、热重分析及电子万能材料试验机分析研究了PHTP共聚物的结构及TP对共聚物耐热性能和力学性能的影响。结果表明,偶联改性提高了PHTP共聚物的结晶起始温度和结晶温度,降低了PHTP共聚物的结晶速率;PHTP共聚物的耐热性提高,初始降解温度和最大降解温度均升高约10℃;PHTP共聚物薄膜样品的拉伸断裂强度及断裂伸长率分别增加34%和200%。

聚3-羟基丙酸及其共聚物的生物合成

3-羟基丙酸是重要的平台化合物,其聚合物是一种性能优异的新型可生物降解塑料,而且3-羟基丙酸与其他羟基脂肪酸形成共聚物时,可提高材料的延展性和生物降解能力.由于已知的生物都不能天然合成聚3-羟基丙酸,所以早期研究中聚3-羟基丙酸及含3-羟基丙酸单体的共聚物的生物合成都依赖于3-羟基丙酸或其结构相关前体,如丙烯酸、1,3-丙二醇等.这些价格昂贵的前体物质的使用,增加了聚3-羟基丙酸的生产成本.近年来,随着基因工程技术的应用,已有两条人工代谢途径可利用廉价碳源(如葡萄糖、甘油等)合成聚3-羟基丙酸,而且结构和单体比例可控的系列3-羟基丙酸共聚物也已成功合成.与使用结构相关前体相比,聚3-羟基丙酸及其共聚物的生产成本已大大降低,但仍然高于石化基塑料.目前,聚3-羟基丙酸合成研究的主要问题是如何进一步提高聚3-羟基丙酸及其共聚物的合成效率,降低生产成本.

重组大肠杆菌转化甘油合成聚3-羟基丙酸-co-乳酸

聚羟基脂肪酸酯作为性质优良的生物塑料,引起了广泛的关注。由于聚羟基脂肪酸合成酶PhaC特异性较强,难以通过生物合成方法获得含乳酸单体聚合物。为了实现乳酸的聚合,PhaC的筛选至关重要。以甘油为底物,通过引入Klebsiella pneumoniae的甘油脱水酶DhaB123及其激活因子GdrAB以及Salmonella typhimurium LT2的丙醛脱氢酶基因PduP,获得3-羟基丙酰辅酶A;通过引入Megasphaera elsdenii DSM 20460的丙酰辅酶A转移酶PCT,获得乳酰辅酶A;并对3种不同聚羟基脂肪酸合成酶的作用进行考察。在Pseudomonas putida的原始酶PhaC1或者PhaC2的作用下,不能实现乳酸的聚合;而在双位点突变（Ser325Thr和Gln481Lys）的PhaC1（STQK）存在条件下,重组菌可以利用甘油合成聚3-羟基丙酸-co-乳酸。经过对溶氧、有机氮源等发酵条件的优化,聚3-羟基丙酸-co-乳酸的产量可以达到0.22g/L,占细胞干重的3.2%,是含乳酸单体聚合物生物合成研究的一次有益尝试。