Patent ID: 7576173
Filing Date: 2009-08-18
Classification: C08G

Abstract:
1. A method of isolating a PHA, the method comprising: a) extracting a biomass comprising one or more PHAs with an extraction solvent to form a mixture including a PHA phase and a residual biomass phase, wherein the PHA phase comprises the PHA dissolved in the extraction solvent; b) isolating the PHA phase from the residual biomass phase; c) combining the PHA phase with a PHA receiving solvent to form a first combination, wherein the receiving solvent forms an azeotrope with the extraction solvent; d) removing substantially the PHA extraction solvent from the first combination as an azeotropic mixture with a portion of the PHA receiving solvent to form a second combination comprising the PHA and the PHA receiving solvent; and e) isolating the PHA from the second combination.