Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Polymalic Acid-based Nano Biopolymers for Targeting of Multiple Tumor Markers: An Opportunity for Personalized Medicine?
Published on: June 13, 2014
Bacterial Polyhydroxyalkanoates-based Therapeutics-delivery Nano-systems
Esteban F Durán-Lara1,2, Diana Rafael3,4, Fernanda Andrade3,4
1Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Talca, Talca 3460000, Maule, Chile.
Abstract:
Microbial polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are bio-based aliphatic biopolyester produced by bacteria as an intracellular storage material of carbon and energy under stressed conditions. PHAs have been paid attention to due to their unique and impressive biological properties including high biodegradability, biocompatibility, low cytotoxicity, and different mechanical properties. Under this context, the development of drug-delivery nanosystems based on PHAs has been revealed to have numerous advantages compared with synthetic polymers that included biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxic, and low-cost production, among others. In this review article, we present the available state of the art of PHAs. Moreover, we discussed the potential benefits, weaknesses, and perspectives of PHAs to the develop drug delivery systems.
Related Concept Videos
Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Stability Enhancement and GI Retention
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Rate-Programmed II
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Stimuli-Activated
Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers
Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Delayed-Release Systems
Bioplastics

