Bacterial poly(3-hydroxybutyrate): an optical microscopy and microfocus X-ray diffraction study

Biomacromolecules. 2000 Winter;1(4):604-8. doi: 10.1021/bm0055549.

Abstract

Two-dimensional spatially resolved microfocus X-ray diffraction has been used to investigate spherulites of pure bacterial poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and of a blend of natural and synthetic atactic PHB (a-PHB) crystallized at a relatively high temperature (Tc = 140 degrees C). Both samples investigated contained practically two-dimensional spherulites, characterized by wide extinction bands (band spacing > 80 microns). The X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed that the unit cell alpha-axis is oriented along the spherulite radius in PHB and that the same is true for the a-PHB containing blend. Comparison of the matrix of diffraction patterns with the polarized optical micrograph of the scanned sample area indicated a very clear correlation between pattern changes and banding, yielding a straightforward picture of the structural variations within the spherulite.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria / metabolism*
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Hydroxybutyrates / chemistry*
  • Microscopy, Polarization
  • Polyesters / chemistry*

Substances

  • Hydroxybutyrates
  • Polyesters
  • poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate