Special emphasis is given to the microbial synthesis of novel biomaterials.
Biopolyesters are formed as intracellular inclusion bodies by a variety of microorganisms. The use of microorganisms, mostly bacteria, for polymer production provides significant advantages, that is, the polymerization processes are conducted in an aqueous medium and renewable resources are used as carbon sources. Due to their biological origin these polymers are fully biodegradable as well as biocompatible. Currently, ways are explored to use these biopolyesters in biomedical applications, such as a drug delivery system. Bacteria grown in Lower Earth Orbit, that is, on the Space Shuttle or in the Space Station, or in simulated microgravity on Earth exhibit an altered growth behavior.