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

M Gazzano; M L Focarete; C Riekel; M Scandola

doi:10.1021/bm0055549

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

M Gazzano·M L Focarete·C Riekel·M Scandola

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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.

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Bacteria Crystallography, X-Ray Hydroxybutyrates Microscopy, Polarization Polyesters Polyhydroxybutyrates Journal Article Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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M Gazzano, M L Focarete, C Riekel, M Scandola. 2000. Bacterial poly(3-hydroxybutyrate): an optical microscopy and microfocus X-ray diffraction study.. https://doi.org/10.1021/bm0055549

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