公开(公告)号：US20050170480A1

公开(公告)日：2005-08-04

申请号：US11053551

申请日：2005-02-08

申请人： Gjalt Huisman ,  Oliver Peoples ,  Frank Skraly

发明人： Gjalt Huisman ,  Oliver Peoples ,  Frank Skraly

IPC分类号： C12N15/09 ,  C12N1/21 ,  C12N9/00 ,  C12N9/02 ,  C12N9/04 ,  C12N9/10 ,  C12N9/88 ,  C12N15/90 ,  C12P7/62 ,  C12R1/19 ,  C12N15/74

CPC分类号： C12N9/1029 ,  C12N9/00 ,  C12N9/0004 ,  C12N9/0006 ,  C12N9/1025 ,  C12N9/13 ,  C12N9/88 ,  C12N15/90 ,  C12P7/625 ,  Y10S435/829 ,  Y10S435/831 ,  Y10S435/877

摘要： Transgenic microbial strains are provided which contain the genes required for PHA formation integrated on the chromosome. The strains are advantageous in PHA production processes, because (1) no plasmids need to be maintained, generally obviating the required use of antibiotics or other stabilizing pressures, and (2) no plasmid loss occurs, thereby stabilizing the number of gene copies per cell throughout the fermentation process, resulting in homogeneous PHA product formation throughout the production process. Genes are integrated using standard techniques, preferably transposon mutagenesis. In a preferred embodiment wherein mutiple genes are incorporated, these are incorporated as an operon. Sequences are used to stabilize mRNA, to induce expression as a function of culture conditions (such as phosphate concentration), temperature, and stress, and to aid in selection, through the incorporation of selection markers such as markers conferring antibiotic resistance.

公开(公告)号：US20060084155A1

公开(公告)日：2006-04-20

申请号：US11245891

申请日：2005-10-07

申请人： Gjalt Huisman ,  Frank Skraly ,  David Martin ,  Oliver Peoples

发明人： Gjalt Huisman ,  Frank Skraly ,  David Martin ,  Oliver Peoples

IPC分类号： C12P7/62 ,  C07H21/04 ,  C12N9/10 ,  C12N1/21 ,  C08G63/82 ,  C12N15/74

CPC分类号： C12N9/0008 ,  C08G63/06 ,  C12N9/1029 ,  C12N9/1096 ,  C12N15/8243 ,  C12P7/625

摘要： The gene encoding a 4-hydroxybutyryl-Co A transferase has been isolated from bacteria and integrated into the genome of bacteria also expressing a polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase, to yield an improved production process for 4HB-containing polyhydroxyalkanoates using transgenic organisms, including both bacteria and plants. The new pathways provide means for producing 4HB containing PHAs from cheap carbon sources such as sugars and fatty acids, in high yields, which are stable. Useful strains are obtaining by screening strains having integrated into their genomes a gene encoding a 4HB-CoA transferase and/or PHA synthase, for polymer production. Processes for polymer production use recombinant systems that can utilize cheap substrates. Systems are provided which can utilize amino acid degradation pathways, α-ketoglutarate, or succinate as substrate.

公开(公告)号：US20050239179A1

公开(公告)日：2005-10-27

申请号：US11072735

申请日：2005-03-04

申请人： Frank Skraly ,  Oliver Peoples

发明人： Frank Skraly ,  Oliver Peoples

IPC分类号： A01H1/00 ,  C08G8/04 ,  C08G8/26 ,  C12N1/21 ,  C12N15/09 ,  C12N15/52 ,  C12N15/82 ,  C12P7/42 ,  C12P7/62 ,  C12R1/19

CPC分类号： C08G8/04 ,  C12N15/52 ,  C12P7/42 ,  C12P7/625

摘要： Organisms are provided which express enzymes such as glycerol dehydratase, diol dehydratase, acyl-CoA transferase, acyl-CoA synthetase β-ketothiolase, acetoacetyl-CoA reductase, PHA synthase, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and glycerol-3-phosphatase, which are useful for the production of PHAs. In some cases one or more of these genes are native to the host organism and the remainder are provided from transgenes. These organisms produce poly (3-hydroxyalkanoate) homopolymers or co-polymers incorporating 3-hydroxypropionate or 3-hydroxyvalerate monomers wherein the 3-hydroxypropionate and 3-hydroxyvalreate units are derived from the enzyme catalysed conversion of diols. Suitable diols that can be used include 1,2-propanediol, 1,3 propanediol and glycerol. Biochemical pathways for obtaining the glycerol from normal cellular metabolites are also described. The PHA polymers are readily recovered and industrially useful as polymers or as starting materials for a range of chemical intermediates including 1,3-propanediol, 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde, acrylics, malonic acid, esters and amines.

摘要翻译： 提供了表达酶的生物体，例如甘油脱水酶，二醇脱水酶，酰基辅酶A转移酶，酰基辅酶A合成酶β-酮硫解酶，乙酰乙酰辅酶A还原酶，PHA合成酶，甘油-3-磷酸脱氢酶和甘油-3-磷酸酶， 对PHA的生产有用。 在一些情况下，这些基因中的一种或多种对于宿主生物体是天然的，其余的由转基因提供。 这些生物体产生聚（3-羟基链烷酸酯）均聚物或掺有3-羟基丙酸酯或3-羟基戊酸酯单体的共聚物，其中3-羟基丙酸酯和3-羟基戊酸酯单元衍生自二醇的酶催化转化。 可以使用的合适的二醇包括1,2-丙二醇，1,3-丙二醇和甘油。 还描述了从正常细胞代谢物获得甘油的生化途径。 PHA聚合物容易回收，在工业上可用作聚合物或用作一系列化学中间体（包括1,3-丙二醇，3-羟基丙醛，丙烯酸，丙二酸，酯和胺）的原料。

公开(公告)号：US20050107578A1

公开(公告)日：2005-05-19

申请号：US11020896

申请日：2004-12-22

申请人： Simon Williams ,  David Martin ,  Frank Skraly

发明人： Simon Williams ,  David Martin ,  Frank Skraly

IPC分类号： A61B17/58 ,  A61F2/84 ,  A61K45/00 ,  A61L15/64 ,  A61L17/00 ,  A61L17/12 ,  A61L27/00 ,  A61L27/18 ,  A61L27/58 ,  A61L31/06 ,  A61L31/14 ,  C08G63/06 ,  C08K5/00 ,  C12P7/62

CPC分类号： A61L27/58 ,  A61F2/07 ,  A61F2210/0004 ,  A61K31/715 ,  A61L17/12 ,  A61L27/18 ,  A61L31/06 ,  A61L31/148 ,  A61L31/16 ,  A61L2300/00 ,  C08G63/06 ,  C08J9/26 ,  C08J2201/0444 ,  C08J2201/0482 ,  C08J2367/04 ,  C08K5/0033 ,  C08L67/04 ,  C12P7/625 ,  Y10S606/911

摘要： Devices formed of or including biocompatible polyhydroxyalkanoates are provided with controlled degradation rates, preferably less than one year under physiological conditions. Preferred devices include sutures, suture fasteners, meniscus repair devices, rivets, tacks, staples, screws (including interference screws), bone plates and bone plating systems, surgical mesh, repair patches, slings, cardiovascular patches, orthopedic pins (including bone filling augmentation material), adhesion barriers, stents, guided tissue repair/regeneration devices, articular cartilage repair devices, nerve guides, tendon repair devices, atrial septal defect repair devices, pericardial patches, bulking and filling agents, vein valves, bone marrow scaffolds, meniscus regeneration devices, ligament and tendon grafts, ocular cell implants, spinal fusion cages, skin substitutes, dural substitutes, bone graft substitutes, bone dowels, wound dressings, and hemostats. The polyhydroxyalkanoates can contain additives, be formed of mixtures of monomers or include pendant groups or modifications in their backbones, or can be chemically modified, all to alter the degradation rates. The polyhydroxyalkanoate compositions also provide favorable mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and degradation times within desirable time frames under physiological conditions.

公开(公告)号：US06878758B2

公开(公告)日：2005-04-12

申请号：US10403942

申请日：2003-03-28

申请人： David P. Martin ,  Frank Skraly ,  Simon F. Williams

发明人： David P. Martin ,  Frank Skraly ,  Simon F. Williams

IPC分类号： A61K9/16 ,  A61K47/48 ,  A61L15/26 ,  A61L17/10 ,  A61L17/12 ,  A61L24/00 ,  A61L26/00 ,  A61L27/18 ,  A61L27/34 ,  A61L27/58 ,  A61L29/06 ,  A61L31/06 ,  A61L31/14 ,  C08G63/06 ,  C08G63/64 ,  C08G63/685 ,  C08G63/688 ,  C08G63/91 ,  C08K5/00 ,  C12N5/00 ,  C12P7/62 ,  C08L67/04

CPC分类号： C08G63/912 ,  A61K9/1647 ,  A61K47/593 ,  A61K47/6957 ,  A61L15/26 ,  A61L17/10 ,  A61L17/12 ,  A61L24/0042 ,  A61L26/0019 ,  A61L26/009 ,  A61L27/18 ,  A61L27/34 ,  A61L27/58 ,  A61L29/06 ,  A61L31/06 ,  A61L31/148 ,  C08G63/06 ,  C08G63/64 ,  C08G63/6852 ,  C08G63/6882 ,  C08J9/26 ,  C08J2201/0444 ,  C08J2201/0482 ,  C08J2367/04 ,  C08K5/0033 ,  C12N5/0068 ,  C12N2533/30 ,  C12P7/625 ,  C08L67/04

摘要： Biocompatible polyhydroxyalkanoate compositions with controlled degradation rates have been developed. In one embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates contain additives to alter the degradation rates. In another embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates are formed of mixtures of monomers or include pendant groups or modifications in their backbones to alter their degradation rates. In still another embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates are chemically modified. Methods for manufacturing the devices which increase porosity or exposed surface area can be used to alter degradability. For example, as demonstrated by the examples, porous polyhydroxyalkanoates can be made using methods that creates pores, voids, or interstitial spacing, such as an emulsion or spray drying technique, or which incorporate leachable or lyophilizable particles within the polymer. Examples describe poly(4HB) compositions including foams, coatings, meshes, and microparticles. As demonstrated by the examples, these polyhydroxyalkanoate compositions have extremely favorable mechanical properties, as well as are biocompatible and degrade within desirable time frames under physioogical conditions. These polyhydroxyalkanoate materials provide a wider range of polyhydroxyalkanoate degradation rates than are currently available. Methods for processing these materials, particularly for therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic applications, or into devices which can be implanted or injected, are also described.

摘要翻译： 已经开发了具有受控降解速率的生物相容性聚羟基链烷酸酯组合物。 在一个实施方案中，聚羟基链烷酸酯含有改变降解速率的添加剂。 在另一个实施方案中，聚羟基链烷酸酯由单体的混合物形成或包括侧链基团或其主链中的修饰以改变其降解速率。 在另一个实施方案中，聚羟基链烷酸酯被化学改性。 用于制造增加孔隙率或暴露表面积的装置的方法可用于改变降解性。 例如，如通过实施例所证明的，多孔聚羟基链烷酸酯可以使用产生孔，空隙或间隙的方法，例如乳液或喷雾干燥技术，或者在聚合物内含有可浸出或可冷冻干燥的颗粒。 实例描述了包括泡沫，涂层，网格和微粒的聚（4HB）组合物。 如实施例所示，这些聚羟基链烷酸酯组合物具有非常有利的机械性能，并且在生理条件下在期望的时间范围内是生物相容的和降解的。 这些聚羟基链烷酸酯材料提供比目前可获得的更广泛的聚羟基链烷酸酯降解速率。 还描述了用于处理这些材料的方法，特别是用于治疗，预防或诊断应用，或可植入或注射的装置。

公开(公告)号：US09090898B2

公开(公告)日：2015-07-28

申请号：US12637706

申请日：2009-12-14

申请人： William R. Farmer ,  Jeff Bickmeier ,  Chenfeng Lu ,  Dong-Eun Chang ,  Frank Skraly ,  Thomas Martin Ramseier

发明人： William R. Farmer ,  Jeff Bickmeier ,  Chenfeng Lu ,  Dong-Eun Chang ,  Frank Skraly ,  Thomas Martin Ramseier

IPC分类号： C12N1/20 ,  C12N1/32 ,  C12P7/18 ,  C12P13/08 ,  C12P7/62 ,  C12P7/46 ,  C07H21/04 ,  C07C31/18 ,  C12N15/52 ,  C12N9/04 ,  C12N9/02 ,  C12N9/10 ,  C12N9/80 ,  C12N9/88 ,  C12N9/00 ,  C12P7/04 ,  C12P7/42 ,  C12P7/44

CPC分类号： C12N15/52 ,  C12N9/0006 ,  C12N9/0008 ,  C12N9/0069 ,  C12N9/10 ,  C12N9/1029 ,  C12N9/1096 ,  C12N9/80 ,  C12N9/88 ,  C12N9/93 ,  C12P7/04 ,  C12P7/18 ,  C12P7/42 ,  C12P7/44 ,  C12P7/625

摘要： Recombinant hosts for producing polyhydroxyalkanoates and methods of producing polyhydroxyalkanoates from renewable carbon substrates are provided. Certain recombinant hosts that produce 5 carbon chemicals such as 5-aminopentanoate (5AP), 5-hydroxyvalerate (5HV), glutarate, and 1,5 pentanediol (PDO) are also provided. One embodiment provides a recombinant host expressing a gene encoding a heterologous enzyme selected from the group consisting of a polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase and a 5-hydroxyvalerate-CoA (5HV-CoA) transferase, wherein the host produces a polymer containing 5-hydroxyvalerate. Preferably, the host expresses both a polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase and a 5HV-CoA transferase. The host can be prokaryotic or eukaryotic. A preferred prokaryotic host is E. coli. The polymers produced by the recombinant hosts can be homopolymers or copolymers of 5-hydroxyvalerate. A preferred copolymer is poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-5-hydroxyvalerate).

摘要翻译： 提供了用于生产聚羟基链烷酸酯的重组宿主和从可再生碳底物生产聚羟基链烷酸酯的方法。 还提供了产生5种碳化学物质的某些重组宿主，如5-氨基戊酸（5AP），5-羟基戊酸酯（5HV），戊二酸酯和1,5-戊二醇（PDO）。 一个实施方案提供了表达编码选自聚羟基链烷酸酯合酶和5-羟基戊酸酯-CoA（5HV-CoA）转移酶的异源酶的基因的重组宿主，其中所述宿主产生含有5-羟基戊酸酯的聚合物。 优选地，宿主表达聚羟基链烷酸酯合成酶和5HV-CoA转移酶。 宿主可以是原核生物或真核生物。 优选的原核宿主是大肠杆菌。 由重组宿主产生的聚合物可以是5-羟基戊酸酯的均聚物或共聚物。 优选的共聚物是聚（3-羟基丁酸酯 - 共-5-羟基戊酸酯）。

公开(公告)号：US20100168481A1

公开(公告)日：2010-07-01

申请号：US12637706

申请日：2009-12-14

申请人： William R. Farmer ,  Jeff Bickmeier ,  Chenfeng Lu ,  Dong-Eun Chang ,  Frank Skraly ,  Thomas Martin Ramseier

发明人： William R. Farmer ,  Jeff Bickmeier ,  Chenfeng Lu ,  Dong-Eun Chang ,  Frank Skraly ,  Thomas Martin Ramseier

IPC分类号： C07C31/18 ,  C12N1/20 ,  C12P13/08 ,  C12P7/46 ,  C12P7/18 ,  C12P7/62

CPC分类号： C12N15/52 ,  C12N9/0006 ,  C12N9/0008 ,  C12N9/0069 ,  C12N9/10 ,  C12N9/1029 ,  C12N9/1096 ,  C12N9/80 ,  C12N9/88 ,  C12N9/93 ,  C12P7/04 ,  C12P7/18 ,  C12P7/42 ,  C12P7/44 ,  C12P7/625

摘要： Recombinant hosts for producing polyhydroxyalkanoates and methods of producing polyhydroxyalkanoates from renewable carbon substrates are provided. Certain recombinant hosts that produce 5 carbon chemicals such as 5-aminopentanoate (5AP), 5-hydroxyvalerate (5HV), glutarate, and 1,5 pentanediol (PDO) are also provided. One embodiment provides a recombinant host expressing a gene encoding a heterologous enzyme selected from the group consisting of a polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase and a 5-hydroxyvalerate-CoA (5HV-CoA) transferase, wherein the host produces a polymer containing 5-hydroxyvalerate. Preferably, the host expresses both a polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase and a 5HV-CoA transferase. The host can be prokaryotic or eukaryotic. A preferred prokaryotic host is E. coli. The polymers produced by the recombinant hosts can be homopolymers or copolymers of 5-hydroxyvalerate. A preferred copolymer is poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-5-hydroxyvalerate).

摘要翻译： 提供了用于生产聚羟基链烷酸酯的重组宿主和从可再生碳底物生产聚羟基链烷酸酯的方法。 还提供了产生5种碳化学物质的某些重组宿主，如5-氨基戊酸（5AP），5-羟基戊酸酯（5HV），戊二酸酯和1,5-戊二醇（PDO）。 一个实施方案提供了表达编码选自聚羟基链烷酸酯合酶和5-羟基戊酸酯-CoA（5HV-CoA）转移酶的异源酶的基因的重组宿主，其中所述宿主产生含有5-羟基戊酸酯的聚合物。 优选地，宿主表达聚羟基链烷酸酯合成酶和5HV-CoA转移酶。 宿主可以是原核生物或真核生物。 优选的原核宿主是大肠杆菌。 由重组宿主产生的聚合物可以是5-羟基戊酸酯的均聚物或共聚物。 优选的共聚物是聚（3-羟基丁酸酯 - 共-5-羟基戊酸酯）。

公开(公告)号：US06316262B1

公开(公告)日：2001-11-13

申请号：US09156809

申请日：1998-09-18

申请人： Gjalt W. Huisman ,  Frank Skraly ,  David P. Martin ,  Oliver P. Peoples

发明人： Gjalt W. Huisman ,  Frank Skraly ,  David P. Martin ,  Oliver P. Peoples

IPC分类号： C12N1554

CPC分类号： C12N9/0008 ,  C08G63/06 ,  C12N9/1029 ,  C12N9/1096 ,  C12N15/8243 ,  C12P7/625

摘要： The gene encoding a 4-hydroxybutyryl-Co A transferase has been isolated from bacteria and integrated into the genome of bacteria also expressing a polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase, to yield an improved production process for 4HB-containing polyhydroxyalkanoates using transgenic organisms, including both bacteria and plants. The new pathways provide means for producing 4HB containing PHAs from cheap carbon sources such as sugars and fatty acids, in high yields, which are stable. Useful strains are obtaining by screening strains having integrated into their genomes a gene encoding a 4HB-CoA transferase and/or PHA synthase, for polymer production. Processes for polymer production use recombinant systems that can utilize cheap substrates. Systems are provided which can utilize amino acid degradation pathways, &agr;-ketoglutarate, or succinate as substrate.

摘要翻译： 已经从细菌中分离出编码4-羟基丁酰-CoA转移酶的基因，并整合到也表达聚羟基链烷酸酯合酶的细菌的基因组中，以使用包括细菌和植物在内的转基因生物来产生含4HB的聚羟基链烷酸酯的改进的生产方法。 新途径提供了从低廉的碳源（如糖和脂肪酸）生产含有PHB的4HB的方法，其产率高，稳定。 有用的菌株是通过筛选在其基因组中整合了编码4HB-CoA转移酶和/或PHA合成酶的基因的聚合物生产获得的菌株。 用于聚合物生产的方法使用可以利用廉价底物的重组体系。 提供可以利用氨基酸降解途径的系统，α-酮戊二酸或琥珀酸作为底物。

公开(公告)号：US20080051490A1

公开(公告)日：2008-02-28

申请号：US11836615

申请日：2007-08-09

申请人： Simon Williams ,  David Martin ,  Frank Skraly

发明人： Simon Williams ,  David Martin ,  Frank Skraly

IPC分类号： C08G63/00 ,  A61K31/715 ,  A61K38/18 ,  A61K9/00

CPC分类号： A61L27/58 ,  A61F2/07 ,  A61F2210/0004 ,  A61K31/715 ,  A61L17/12 ,  A61L27/18 ,  A61L31/06 ,  A61L31/148 ,  A61L31/16 ,  A61L2300/00 ,  C08G63/06 ,  C08J9/26 ,  C08J2201/0444 ,  C08J2201/0482 ,  C08J2367/04 ,  C08K5/0033 ,  C08L67/04 ,  C12P7/625 ,  Y10S606/911

摘要： Devices formed of or including biocompatible polyhydroxyalkanoates are provided with controlled degradation rates, preferably less than one year under physiological conditions. Preferred devices include sutures, suture fasteners, meniscus repair devices, rivets, tacks, staples, screws (including interference screws), bone plates and bone plating systems, surgical mesh, repair patches, slings, cardiovascular patches, orthopedic pins (including bone filling augmentation material), adhesion barriers, stents, guided tissue repair/regeneration devices, articular cartilage repair devices, nerve guides, tendon repair devices, atrial septal defect repair devices, pericardial patches, bulking and filling agents, vein valves, bone marrow scaffolds, meniscus regeneration devices, ligament and tendon grafts, ocular cell implants, spinal fusion cages, skin substitutes, dural substitutes, bone graft substitutes, bone dowels, wound dressings, and hemostats. The polyhydroxyalkanoates can contain additives, be formed of mixtures of monomers or include pendant groups or modifications in their backbones, or can be chemically modified, all to alter the degradation rates. The polyhydroxyalkanoate compositions also provide favorable mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and degradation times within desirable time frames under physiological conditions.

公开(公告)号：US06828357B1

公开(公告)日：2004-12-07

申请号：US10403242

申请日：2003-03-28

申请人： David P. Martin ,  Frank Skraly ,  Simon F. Williams

发明人： David P. Martin ,  Frank Skraly ,  Simon F. Williams

IPC分类号： C08L6704

CPC分类号： C12P7/625 ,  A61K9/1647 ,  A61K47/593 ,  A61K47/6957 ,  A61L15/26 ,  A61L17/10 ,  A61L17/12 ,  A61L24/0042 ,  A61L26/0019 ,  A61L26/009 ,  A61L27/18 ,  A61L27/34 ,  A61L27/58 ,  A61L29/06 ,  A61L31/06 ,  A61L31/148 ,  C08G63/06 ,  C08G63/64 ,  C08G63/6852 ,  C08G63/6882 ,  C08G63/912 ,  C08K5/0033 ,  C12N5/0068 ,  C12N2533/30 ,  Y10S606/911 ,  C08L67/04

摘要： Biocompatible polyhydroxyalkanoate compositions with controlled degradation rates have been developed. In one embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates contain additives to alter the degradation rates. In another embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates are formed of mixtures of monomers or include pendant groups or modifications in their backbones to alter their degradation rates. In still another embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates are chemically modified. Methods for manufacturing the devices which increase porosity or exposed surface area can be used to alter degradability. For example, as demonstrated by the examples, porous polyhydroxyalkanoates can be made using methods that creates pores, voids, or interstitial spacing, such as an emulsion or spray drying technique, or which incorporate leachable or lyophilizable particles within the polymer. Examples describe poly(4HB) compositions including foams, coatings, meshes, and microparticles. As demonstrated by the examples, these polyhydroxyalkanoate compositions have extremely favorable mechanical properties, as well as are biocompatible and degrade within desirable time frames under physioogical conditions. These polyhydroxyalkanoate materials provide a wider range of polyhydroxyalkanoate degradation rates than are currently available. Methods for processing these materials, particularly for therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic applications, or into devices which can be implanted or injected, are also described.

摘要翻译： 已经开发了具有受控降解速率的生物相容性聚羟基链烷酸酯组合物。 在一个实施方案中，聚羟基链烷酸酯含有改变降解速率的添加剂。 在另一个实施方案中，聚羟基链烷酸酯由单体的混合物形成或包括侧链基团或其主链中的修饰以改变其降解速率。 在另一个实施方案中，聚羟基链烷酸酯被化学改性。 用于制造增加孔隙率或暴露表面积的装置的方法可用于改变降解性。 例如，如通过实施例所证明的，多孔聚羟基链烷酸酯可以使用产生孔，空隙或间隙的方法，例如乳液或喷雾干燥技术，或者在聚合物内含有可浸出或可冷冻干燥的颗粒。 实例描述了包括泡沫，涂层，网格和微粒的聚（4HB）组合物。 如实施例所示，这些聚羟基链烷酸酯组合物具有非常有利的机械性能，并且在生理条件下在期望的时间范围内是生物相容的和降解的。 这些聚羟基链烷酸酯材料提供比目前可获得的更广泛的聚羟基链烷酸酯降解速率。 还描述了用于处理这些材料的方法，特别是用于治疗，预防或诊断应用，或可植入或注射的装置。