A polymer that can be decomposed by bacteria is called a biodegradable polymer. These polymers contain functional groups similar to groups present in biopolymers.
(1) Polyhydroxy butyrate (PHB): It is prepared by the condensation polymerization of hydroxy butyric acid (3hydroxy butanoic acid).
(2) Poly-β-hydroxy butyrate-Co-β-hydroxyvalerate
(PHBV): It is a copolymer (co-polyester) of 3-hyroxy butanoic acid and 3-hydroxypentanoic acid in which the monomer units are joined by ester linkages.
(3) Polyglycolic acid (PGA): It is obtained by dimerisation of glycolic acid to form glycolide which further undergoes ring opening addition to form polyglycolic acid.
