Direct Extraction of PHA from Biomass

Cost effectiveness of PHA isolation does not only depend on equipment and chemicals needed, but, most of all, on the yields for product recovery and the possibility to reutilize the compounds needed for the isolation. For direct extraction of PHA from biomass extraction solvents that can easily be recycled will be of interest [69]. Solubility of PHAs, especially pure crystalline PHB, is a complex topic. Unlike most low molecular mass compounds and noncrystaUizing amorphous polymers, the solubility of crystalline polymers such as PHB cannot be predicted 

These halogenated solvents, especially chloroform, pose a high risk not only to the environment, but also to the personnel working with them. In order to avoid leaving the patterns of sustainability in biopolymer production, it will be indispensable to concentrate the development of new extraction processes on such recyclable solvents that are also of an environmentally benign nature, such as lactic acid esters [73]. 

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Direct extraction of PHA from biomass (solvent - antisolvent methods PHA is a dissolved intermediary). 

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