A. Steinbüchel & Sophie De Baetset al. : Biopolymers

Biopolymers represent the most abundant organic compounds in the biosphere and constitute the largest fraction of cells. Seven main classes of biopolymers are distinguished according to their chemical structures. This encyclopedia provides a throughout overview of the occurrence and metabolism of biopolymers. In addition, processes for biotechnological production, isolation from organisms and modification, material properties and technical applications in various areas such as, for example, in daily life products, medicine, pharmacy, food industry, agriculture, textiles, chemical industry and packaging industry are provided. The future perspectives of biopolymers are outlined. Volumes 5 and 6 focus on simple and complex polysaccharides which are synthesized by organisms as storage compounds, cell wall constituents or compounds at the surfaces of cells. Biosynthesis, metabolism, biodegradation, functions, properties and applications of these biopolymers are described.