Health Issues of Biopolymers: Polyhydroxybutyrate

Introduction Historical Outline Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) Mechanical Properties Biocompatibility In vitro Degradation In vivo Degradation Investigations of Clinical Applications Poly(4-hydroxybutyrate) Mechanical Properties Biocompatibility In vitro Degradation In vivo Degradation Investigations on Clinical Applications Excursion: Biopolymers other than PHA Polypeptides Polysaccharides Outlook and Perspectives Keywords: polyhydroxyalkanoates; poly(3-hydroxybutyrate); poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate); poly(4-hydroxybutyrate); poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate); mechanical properties; biocompatibility; cytotoxicity; tissue compatibility; hemocompatibility; in vitro degradation; in vivo degradation; clinical applications; patch materials; stents; bone implants; drug delivery