Microbial Polyesters provides the reader with the necessary background for understanding the nature and mechanism of biological polymerization. It describes detailed aspects of the biosynthesis, properties and applications of microbial polyesters, thermoplastics with biodegradable and biocompatible properties. This book will be of special interest to researchers and graduate students working in microbiology, biotechnology and polymer science and technology. Contents: Introduction; Fermentation and Analysis of Microbial Polyesters; Microorganisms and Poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates); Poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates) Metabolism; Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate); Structure and Properties of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate); Solid State Properties of Copolyesters; Biodegradation of Microbial Polyesters.