(A) Total biosynthetic pathway for the production of βMδVL. (B) A semisynthetic route to produce βMδVL from mevalonate. (C) Conversion of βMδVL to an elastomeric triblock polymer that can be repeatedly stretched to 18 times its original length without breaking. Copyright © PNAS, doi:10.1073/pnas.1404596111
The advantages of sustainable, biodegradable, carbon-neutral and bioderived renewable polymers – that is, synthetic polymers based on biomolecules produced by living organisms – are reflected in the extent of the research recently conducted into their development. However, such bioderived (or biobased) polymers currently account for a very small percentage of the plastics and elastomers market now dominated by oil-based polymers. (An elastomer, such as rubber, is a polymer that is viscoelastic – that is, both viscous and elastic – with weak intermolecular forces.) To achieve market growth, synthetic polymers have to compete strongly not only in performance, but in large-scale production costs as well –…
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