MAKING THE SAME

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/734,489, filed December 7, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/711,825, filed October 10, 2012, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer compositions and methods of making the same, and more particularly to polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer compositions comprising a plurality of polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules, wherein the

polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules (i) comprise 3-hydroxybutyrate monomers and 4- hydroxybutyrate monomers, (ii) have a monomeric molar percentage of 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers of 23.5 to 75%, and (iii) have a biobased content of > 80%, and to methods of making the same comprising culturing an organism in the presence of one or more carbon raw materials.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Polyhydroxyalkanoates are biodegradable and biocompatible thermoplastic materials that can be produced from renewable resources and that have a broad range of industrial and biomedical applications. Polyhydroxyalkanoates can be produced as homopolymers, such as poly-3- hydroxybutyrate (also termed "PHB") and poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (also termed "P4HB"), or as copolymers, such as poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) (also termed "PHB-co-4HB"). Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) copolymers are of interest for their potential to be produced from renewable resources and to be used for conferring rubber-like elasticity in polymer blends. Thus, for example, production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) with high amounts of 4HB monomer incorporation into the copolymer has been described previously in the literature using various microorganisms, but this was accomplished only when immediate precursors of 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA, such as e.g. 4-hydroxybutyrate, γ-butyrolactone, and/or 1 ,4-butanediol were supplied with other carbon sources. E.g., Kunioka et al., Polymer Communications 29:174-176 (1988); Doi et al, Polymer Communications 30:169-171 (1989); Kimura et al, Biotechnol. Letters 14(6):445-450 (1992); Nakamura et al, Macromolecules 25(17):4237-4241 (1992); Saito and Doi, Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 16(2):99-104 (1994); Lee et al, Biotechnol. Letters 19(8):771-774 (1997); Choi et al, Appl. Environm. Microbiol. 65(4):1570-1577 (1999); Hsieh et al, J. Taiwan Inst. Chem. Engin. 40:143-147 (2009). Production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) copolymer from glucose as a sole carbon source in genetically engineered Escherichia coli cells has also been accomplished, but the reported monomeric molar percentages of 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers of the resulting copolymers have been low, e.g. 12.5% or less during stationary phase, unless other carbon sources were co-fed. Chen et al, U.S. Pub. No. 2012/0214213; see also Dennis and Valentin, U.S. Patent No. 6,117,658; Valentin and Dennis, J. Biotechnol. 58:33-38 (1997), Chen et al, Chinese Patent Application CN 102382789 A; Li et al, Metab. Eng. 12:352-359 (2010). Production of poly- 4-hydroxybutyrate homopolymer from a genetically engineered microbial biomass metabolizing a renewable feedstock, such as glucose, has also been described, but exemplary poly-4-hydroxybutyrate homopolymer titers were less than 50% by weight of biomass titers, and in any case poly-4- hydroxybutyrate homopolymer does not have the same properties as poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4- hydroxybutyrate) copolymer. Van Walsem et al, WO 2011/100601.

SUMMARY

[0004] A polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer composition is provided. The composition comprises a plurality of polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules. The polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules (i) comprise 3-hydroxybutyrate monomers and 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers, (ii) have a monomeric molar percentage of 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers of 23.5 to 75%, and (iii) have a biobased content of > 80%>.

[0005] Also provided is a method of making a polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer composition. The composition comprises a plurality of polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules. The polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules (i) comprise 3-hydroxybutyrate monomers and 4- hydroxybutyrate monomers, (ii) have a monomeric molar percentage of 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers of 23.5 to 75%), and (iii) have a biobased content of > 80%. The method comprises culturing an organism in the presence of one or more carbon raw materials under conditions under which (a) the one or more carbon raw materials are converted to 3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA and 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA and (b) the 3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA and the 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA are polymerized to form the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules, thereby forming the composition. The organism has been genetically engineered to comprise enzymatic activities of a polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase, an acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase, an acetoacetyl-CoA reductase, a succinate semialdehyde

dehydrogenase, a succinic semialdehyde reductase, and a CoA transferase, and to not comprise enzymatic activities of either an NAD+-dependent succinate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase or an NADP+-dependent succinate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase or both. The one or more carbon raw materials, taken together, have a biobased content of > 80%.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of exemplary E. coli central metabolic pathways showing reactions that were modified or introduced in the Examples or that could be modified in the future. Reactions that were eliminated by deleting the corresponding genes in certain Examples are marked with an "X". Abbreviations: "PEP", phosphoenolpyruvate; "PYR", pyruvate; "Ac-CoA", acetyl-CoA; "AcAc-CoA", acetoacetyl-CoA; "3HB-CoA", 3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA; "CIT", citrate; "ICT", isocitrate; "aKG", alpha-ketoglutarate; "SUC-CoA", succinyl-CoA; "SUC", succinate; "Fum", fumarate; "MAL", L-malate; "OAA", oxaloacetate; "SSA", succinic semialdehyde; "4HB", 4- hydroxybutyrate; "4HB-P", 4-hydroxybutyryl-phosphate; "4HB-CoA", 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA; "PHB-co-4HB", poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate). Numbered reactions: "1", acetyl- CoA acetyltransferase (a.k.a. beta-ketothiolase); "2", acetoacetyl-CoA reductase; "3", succinate semialdehyde dehydrogenase; "4", alpha-ketoglutarate decarboxylase; "5", succinic semialdehyde reductase; "6", CoA transferase; "7", butyrate kinase; "8", phosphotransbutyrylase; "9",

polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase; "10", succinate semialdehyde dehydrogenase; "11",

phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase; "12", 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA thioesterase.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] A description of example embodiments of the disclosure follows.

[0008] A polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer composition is provided. The composition comprises a plurality of polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules. The composition can be, for example, a biomass composition, e.g. an organism that has produced, and comprises therein, the plurality of polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules, a composition free of non- polyhydroxyalkanoate biomass, e.g. a composition comprising polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules that have been isolated and/or purified from an organism that has produced the

polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules, or a bioplastic composition, e.g. a homogeneous or blended composition comprising the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules and suitable for use as a bioplastic.

[0009] The polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules comprise 3-hydroxybutyrate monomers and 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers. Accordingly, each polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecule comprises both 3-hydroxybutyrate monomers and 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers. Such molecules can be synthesized, for example, by PHA-synthase mediated copolymerization of 3- hydroxybutyryl-CoA and 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA to yield molecules of the copolymer, e.g. poly(3- hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) copolymer. Exemplary suitable PHA synthases are described in the Examples below. Each polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecule also optionally can comprise further additional monomers, e.g. 5-hydroxyvalerate monomers, for example based on the further presence of polymerizable precursors of the additional monomers during PHA-synthase mediated copolymerization of 3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA and 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA.

[0010] The polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules have a monomeric molar percentage of 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers of 23.5 to 75%. Accordingly, 23.5 to 75% of the monomeric units of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules, taken together, are 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers, with the remaining 25 to 76.5% of the monomeric units of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules corresponding to 3-hydroxybutyrate monomers and optionally further additional monomers. In some embodiments, substantially all, e.g. > 95% or > 99%>, of the remaining 25 to 76.5%) of the monomeric units correspond to 3-hydroxybutyrate monomers, with the rest corresponding to further additional monomers. In some embodiments, all of the remaining 25 to 76.5% of the monomeric units correspond to 3-hydroxybutyrate monomers, such that the

polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules include no further additional monomers. Thus, for example with regard to poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) copolymer in particular, for polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules having a monomeric molar percentage of 4- hydroxybutyrate monomers of 23.5 to 75%, the remaining 25 to 76.5% of the monomeric units of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules correspond to 3-hydroxybutyrate monomers. Exemplary suitable methods for determining the monomeric molar percentage of 3-hydroxybutyrate monomers and 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers of polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules are described in the Examples below.

[0011] In some embodiments, the monomeric molar percentage of 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules can be 25 to 70%. The monomeric molar percentage of 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules can be, for example, 30 to 40%, 40 to 50%, 50 to 60%, or 60 to 70%.

[0012] The monomeric molar percentages of 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers of

polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules affect properties of compositions thereof, for example with respect to melting temperatures, elongation to break, glass transition temperatures, and the like. For example, as the monomeric molar percentages of 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers of poly(3- hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) copolymer molecules increase above 10%, the melting temperature decreases below 130 °C and the elongation to break increases above 400%. Saito Y. et al, 39 Polym. Int. 169 (1996). Thus, polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules having monomeric molar percentages of 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers in each of the various ranges disclosed above can be used to engineer compositions to have particular desired properties.

[0013] The polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules have a biobased content of > 80%. Biobased content, as the term is used herein, means the amount of biobased carbon in a material or product as a percent of the weight (mass) of the total organic carbon of the material or product, as defined in ASTM D6866-12, Standard Test Methods for Determining the Biobased Content of Solid, Liquid, and Gaseous Samples Using Radiocarbon Analysis (ASTM International, U.S., 2012), which is incorporated by reference herein. As discussed in ASTM D6866-12, total organic carbon can include both biobased carbon and fossil carbon. Biobased carbon corresponds to organic carbon that includes radiocarbon, i.e. ¹⁴ C, in an amount indicative of recent cycling through the living biosphere, e.g. recent incorporation of atmospheric C0 ₂ , including a known percentage of ¹⁴ C, into organic carbon. Fossil carbon corresponds to organic carbon that includes little or no radiocarbon because the age of the fossil carbon, as measured from the date of incorporation of atmospheric C0 ₂ , is much greater than the half-life of ¹⁴ C, i.e. all or essentially all of the ¹⁴ C that had been incorporated has decayed. Accordingly, as applied to polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules, biobased content means the amount of biobased carbon in the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules as a percent of the weight (mass) of the total organic carbon of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules. The biobased content of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules can be measured, for example, in accordance with ASTM D6866-12, based on determining the contents of ¹⁴ C and ¹² C in CO ₂ derived by combustion of the polyhydroxyalkanoate, and correcting for post 1950 bomb ¹⁴ C injection into the atmosphere, among other methods. Thus, for example, the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules can have a biobased content of > 80% as measured in accordance with ASTM D6866-12. Other suitable approaches for measuring biobased content, as are known in the art, also can be used. Differences in biobased contents between different polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules are indicative of structural differences, i.e. differences in the ratios of ¹⁴ C to ¹² C thereof, between the different polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules.

[0014] In some embodiments, the biobased content of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules is > 95%. In some embodiments, the biobased content of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules is > 99%. In some embodiments, the biobased content of the

polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules is 100%. Thus, for example, the biobased content of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules can be > 95%, or > 99%, or 100%, in each case again as measured in accordance with ASTM D6866-12.

[0015] Polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules having the above -noted biobased contents can be used for the manufacture of biobased plastics in which most or all fossil carbon has been replaced by renewable biobased carbon, with accompanying environmental benefits. Moreover, polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules having the above -noted biobased contents can be distinguished readily from polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules and other polymers and compounds not having the above -noted biobased contents, based on the above -noted structural differences associated with differences in biobased contents, with accompanying regulatory benefits.

[0016] The polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules can have a weight average molecular weight of 250 kilodalton ("kDa") to 2.0 megadalton ("MDa"). The polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules can occur in a distribution with respect to their molecular weights, and the physical properties and rheological properties of compositions of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules can depend on the distribution. Molecular weights of polymers can be calculated various ways. Weight average molecular weight, also termed M _w , is the sum of the weights of the various chain lengths, times the molecular weight of the chain, divided by the total weight of all of the chains (ΣΝΜ ² /ΣΝΜ). Number average molecular weight, also termed M _n , is the sum of the number of chains of a given length, times the molecular weight of the chain, divided by the total number of chains (∑N ;/∑Ni). Polydispersity index provides a measure of the broadness of a molecular weight distribution of a polymer and is calculated as the weight average molecular weight divided by the number average molecular weight. As used herein, the term molecular weight refers to weight average molecular weight unless context indicates otherwise.

[0017] Weight average molecular weight of polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules can be determined, for example, by use of light scattering and gel permeation chromatography with polystyrene standards. Chloroform can be used as both the eluent for the gel permeation

chromatography and as the diluent for the polyhydroxyalkanoates. Calibration curves for determining molecular weights can be generated by using linear polystyrenes as molecular weight standards and a calibration method based on log molecular weight as a function of elution volume.

[0018] In some embodiments, the weight average molecular weight of the

polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules is 1.5 MDa to 2.0 MDa, e.g. as determined by use of light scattering and gel permeation chromatography with polystyrene standards. In some

embodiments the weight average molecular weight of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules is 1.7 MDa to 2.0 MDa, e.g. again as determined by use of light scattering and gel permeation chromatography with polystyrene standards.

[0019] Unexpectedly, it has been observed here that the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules having a monomeric molar percentage of 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers of 23.5 to 75%, e.g. 25 to 70%, 30 to 40%, 40 to 50%, 50 to 60%, or 60 to 70%, can be obtained in

polyhydroxyalkanoate titers > 50%> by weight of biomass titers in accordance with the methods described below, e.g. culturing an organism in the presence of one or more carbon raw materials, as discussed below, wherein the organism has been genetically engineered, as also discussed below. More specifically, it has been observed that the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules can be obtained in polyhydroxyalkanoate titers exceeding 50%> by weight of biomass titers by culturing the organism in the presence of glucose as a sole carbon source and thus in the absence of compounds that are immediate precursors of 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA and/or compounds that are typically manufactured from nonrenewable resources. It has also been observed that during culturing of an organism, not so genetically engineered, in the presence of glucose and 1 ,4-butanediol, which is a compound that is both an immediate precursor of 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA and typically manufactured from nonrenewable resources, increasing the amount of 1 ,4-butanediol, while being useful for achieving relatively higher monomeric molar percentages of 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules, results in relatively lower yields of the

polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules and relatively lower weight average molecular weights thereof. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the polyhydroxyalkanoate titers > 50% by weight of biomass titers of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules that can be obtained by the methods described below are indicative of unexpectedly higher molecular weights associated with the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules. Polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules having weight average molecular weights in the above -noted ranges can be used to prepare polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer compositions having desired physical properties and rheological properties.

[0020] The composition can have a glass transition temperature of -60 °C to -5 °C. Glass transition temperature is the temperature above which polymer molecules begin coordinated molecular motions. Physically, the polymer modulus begins to drop several orders of magnitude until the polymer finally reaches a rubbery state. In some embodiments, the glass transition temperature of the composition is, for example, -50 °C to -15 °C, -50 °C to -20 °C, or -45 °C to -15 °C.

Compositions having glass transition temperatures in the above -noted ranges can be used to ensure that the compositions are in a rubbery state at desired temperatures of use.

[0021] The composition can be one wherein the monomeric molar percentage of 4- hydroxybutyrate monomers of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules does not decrease with increasing molecular weight of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules. As noted above, the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules can occur in a distribution with respect to their molecular weights. Monomeric molar percentages of 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers may vary between individual polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules. A composition wherein the monomeric molar percentage of 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules does not decrease with increasing molecular weight of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules can be, for example, a composition wherein the monomeric molar percentage of 4- hydroxybutyrate monomers of polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules at the high end of the molecular weight distribution is not lower than the monomeric molar percentage of 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers of polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules at the low end of the molecular weight distribution. Thus, for example, the composition can be one wherein the monomeric molar percentage of 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules does not vary substantially, e.g. at all, with increasing molecular weight of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules, e.g. the monomeric molar percentage of 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers of

polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules at the high end of the molecular weight distribution is essentially the same, e.g. identical, to that of polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules at the low end of the molecular weight distribution. Also for example, the composition can be one wherein the monomeric molar percentage of 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules increases with increasing molecular weight of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules, e.g. the monomeric molar percentage of 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers of polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules at the high end of the molecular weight distribution is higher than that of polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules at the low end of the molecular weight distribution.

[0022] Unexpectedly, it has been observed here that the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules having a monomeric molar percentage of 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers of 23.5 to 75%, and more particularly about 50 to 60%, can be obtained in forms in which the monomeric molar percentages of 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules of a culture of an organism do not decrease during later stages of culturing of the organism, e.g. during stationary phase, in accordance with the methods described below, e.g. culturing an organism in the presence of one or more carbon raw materials, such as glucose as a sole carbon source, as discussed below, wherein the organism has been genetically engineered, as also discussed below. It has also been observed that during culturing of an organism not so genetically engineered, in the presence of glucose and 1 ,4-butanediol, decreasing amounts of 1,4-butanediol that are typical of later stages of such culturing (e.g. reflecting consumption of most of the 1,4-butanediol that had been present) result in decreasing monomeric molar percentages of 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers of

polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules of a culture of the organism with concomitant increasing weight average molecular weights of the copolymer molecules. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the absence of a decrease of the monomeric molar percentage of 4- hydroxybutyrate monomers of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules of a culture of an organism during later stages of the culturing of the organism, in accordance with the methods described below, is indicative of polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules wherein the monomeric molar percentage of 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules does not decrease with increasing molecular weight of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules. Polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules wherein the monomeric molar percentage of 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules does not decrease with increasing molecular weight of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules can be used to ensure consistent structural and physical properties of compositions thereof.

[0023] The composition can be one wherein the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules are produced in a fermentation process using one or more carbon raw materials that, taken together, have a biobased content of > 80%; the one or more carbon raw materials comprise a carbon source selected from the group consisting of glucose, levoglucosan, sucrose, lactose, fructose, xylose, maltose, arabinose, and mixtures thereof; and the yield is greater than 0.25 g of the

polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules per gram of the carbon source. For example, in some embodiments the yield is greater than 0.30 g, or greater than 0.35 g, or greater than 0.40 g, of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules per gram of the carbon source.

[0024] Methods of making polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer compositions, as described above, are disclosed below.

[0025] A polymer blend composition is also provided. The polymer blend composition comprises a polyhydroxyalkanoate composition and a plurality of molecules of a second polymer. The polyhydroxyalkanoate composition can be any of the polyhydroxyalkanoate compositions as described above, for example a polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer composition comprising a plurality of polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules, wherein the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules (i) comprise 3-hydroxybutyrate monomers and 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers, (ii) have a monomeric molar percentage of 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers of 23.5 to 75%, and (iii) have a biobased content of > 80%>. Moreover, the polyhydroxyalkanoate composition can be one, for example, wherein (a) the monomeric molar percentage of 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules is 25 to 70%, 30 to 40%, 40 to 50%, 50 to 60%, or 60 to 70%), (b) the biobased content of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules is > 95%, > 99%, or 100%) (c) the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules have a weight average molecular weight of 250 kDa to 2.0 MDa, 1.5 MDa to 2.0 MDa, or 1.7 MDa to 2.0 MDa, (d) the composition has a glass transition temperature of -60 °C to -5 °C, -50 °C to -15 °C, -50 °C to -20 °C, or -45 °C to -15 °C, (e) the monomeric molar percentage of 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules does not decrease with increasing molecular weight of the

polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules, and/or (f the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules are produced in a fermentation process using one or more carbon raw materials that, taken together, have a biobased content of > 80%, as described above.

[0026] The second polymer can be, for example, a biobased polymer or a non-biobased polymer. Suitable biobased polymers include, for example, polylactic acid, polybutylene succinate, polybutylene succinate adipate, polybutylene adipate terephthalate, and/or polypropylene carbonate, wherein the polymers of the biobased plastics are derived from biobased succinic acid, biobased adipic acid, biobased 1 ,4-butanediol, biobased polypropylene oxide, and/or carbon dioxide. Suitable biobased polymers also include, for example, additional polyhydroxyalkanoates other than poly(3- hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) copolymer, such as, for example, homopolymers such as poly-3-hydroxybutyrate homopolymer and poly-4-hydroxybutyrate homopolymer, other copolymers, such as poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate and poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3- hydroxyhexanoate, and blends of these and other polyhydroxyalkanoates. Suitable non-biobased polymers include, for example, polyvinylchloride.

[0027] The polymer blend composition can be used for a wide variety of applications, e.g. packaging film, based on optimization of mechanical properties (e.g. tensile strength, puncture resistance, and elongation), thermal properties (e.g. heat distortion temperature), and/or optical properties (e.g. clarity). The polymer blend composition wherein the second polymer is a biobased polymer in particular can be used for optimizing performance properties and to achieve high biobased contents. The polymer blend composition wherein the second polymer is polyvinylchloride has improved properties including improved processing in comparison to polyvinylchloride alone. The polymer blend composition can be blended by suitable methods that are known in the art.

[0028] The polymer blend composition can be one, for example, wherein the

polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules are present at 5 to 95 weight percent of the polymer blend composition. For example, the polymer blend composition can be one wherein the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules are present at 20 to 40 weight percent, 25 to 35 weight percent, or 28 to 33 weight percent, of the polymer blend composition. The polymer blend composition also can be, for example, continuous or co-continuous. The polymer blend composition also can be one, for example, wherein the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules and the molecules of the second polymer form a single phase, e.g. wherein the second polymer is polyvinyl chloride. The polymer blend composition also can be one, for example, wherein the

polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules and the molecules of the second polymer form more than a single phase, e.g. wherein the second polymer is polylactic acid. The polymer blend composition also can have, for example, a lower crystallizability, i.e. maximum theoretical crystallinity, than a corresponding composition that lacks the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules.

[0029] A biomass composition is also provided. The biomass composition comprises a polyhydroxyalkanoate composition, e.g. any of the polyhydroxyalkanoate compositions as described above, wherein the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules are present at > 50 weight percent of the biomass composition. Thus, again, the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer composition can be one, for example, comprising a plurality of polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules, wherein the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules (i) comprise 3-hydroxybutyrate monomers and 4- hydroxybutyrate monomers, (ii) have a monomeric molar percentage of 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers of 23.5 to 75%, and (iii) have a biobased content of > 80%>. Moreover, the polyhydroxyalkanoate composition can be one, for example, wherein (a) the monomeric molar percentage of 4- hydroxybutyrate monomers of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules is 25 to 70%>, 30 to 40%, 40 to 50%, 50 to 60%, or 60 to 70%, (b) the biobased content of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules is > 95%>, > 99%, or 100%>, (c) the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules have a weight average molecular weight of 250 kDa to 2.0 MDa, 1.5 MDa to 2.0 MDa, or 1.7 MDa to 2.0 MDa, (d) the composition has a glass transition temperature of -60 °C to -5 °C, -50 °C to -15 °C, - 50 °C to -20 °C, or -45 °C to -15 °C, (e) the monomeric molar percentage of 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules does not decrease with increasing molecular weight of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules, and/or (f) the

polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules are produced in a fermentation process using one or more carbon raw materials that, taken together, have a biobased content of > 80%>, as described above.

[0030] As noted, the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules are present at > 50 weight percent of the biomass composition. As used herein, weight percent of the biomass composition refers to dry weight of the biomass composition, e.g. cell dry weight. The polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules can be present, for example, at > 60, > 70, > 80, > 85, or > 90 weight percent of the biomass composition. [0031] A method of making a polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer composition is also provided. Again, the polyhydroxyalkanoate composition can be any of the polyhydroxyalkanoate compositions as described above, for example a polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer composition comprising a plurality of polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules, wherein the

polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules (i) comprise 3-hydroxybutyrate monomers and 4- hydroxybutyrate monomers, (ii) have a monomeric molar percentage of 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers of 23.5 to 75%, and (iii) have a biobased content of > 80%>. Moreover, the polyhydroxyalkanoate composition can be one, for example, wherein (a) the monomeric molar percentage of 4- hydroxybutyrate monomers of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules is 25 to 70%, 30 to 40%, 40 to 50%, 50 to 60%, or 60 to 70%, (b) the biobased content of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules is > 95%, > 99%, or 100%, (c) the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules have a weight average molecular weight of 250 kDa to 2.0 MDa, 1.5 MDa to 2.0 MDa, or 1.7 MDa to 2.0 MDa, (d) the composition has a glass transition temperature of -60 °C to -5 °C, -50 °C to -15 °C, - 50 °C to -20 °C, or -45 °C to -15 °C, (e) the monomeric molar percentage of 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules does not decrease with increasing molecular weight of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules, and/or (f) the

polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules are produced in a fermentation process using one or more carbon raw materials that, taken together, have a biobased content of > 80%, as described above.

[0032] The method can comprise culturing an organism in the presence of one or more carbon raw materials under conditions under which (a) the one or more carbon raw materials are converted to 3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA and 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA and (b) the 3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA and the 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA are polymerized to form the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules, thereby forming the composition.

[0033] The culturing can comprise, for example, cultivating the organism by fermentation, shake-flask cultivation, and the like. Fermentation can be carried out, for example, at scales ranging from laboratory scale, e.g. 1 L, to industrial manufacturing scale, e.g. 20,000 to 100,000 L.

Additional suitable culturing approaches are described in the Examples below.

[0034] The organism can be, for example, a microbial strain or an algal strain. Suitable microbial strains include, for example, an Escherichia coli strain or a Ralstonia eutropha strain.

Suitable algal strains include, for example, a Chlorella strain. Additional suitable organisms are described in the Examples below.

[0035] The one or more carbon raw materials can comprise a carbon raw material that can be used in an industrial process, e.g. to supply a carbon or other energy source for cells of a fermentation process, and/or that is renewable, e.g. material derived from living organisms or their metabolic byproducts including material derived from biomass, often consisting of underutilized components like chaff or stover. For example, the one or more carbon raw materials can comprise a carbon source selected from the group consisting of glucose, levoglucosan, sucrose, lactose, fructose, xylose, maltose, arabinose, and mixtures thereof. Also for example, the one or more carbon raw materials can comprise one or more of molasses, starch, a fatty acid, a vegetable oil, a lignocellulosic material, ethanol, acetic acid, glycerol, a biomass-derived synthesis gas, and methane originating from a landfill gas.

[0036] Considering the one or more carbon raw materials further, in some embodiments, the one or more carbon raw materials can consist essentially of a carbon source selected from the group consisting of glucose, levoglucosan, sucrose, lactose, fructose, xylose, maltose, arabinose, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the one or more carbon raw materials can consist of a carbon source selected from the group consisting of glucose, levoglucosan, sucrose, lactose, fructose, xylose, maltose, arabinose, and mixtures thereof. Thus, in some embodiments the one or more carbon raw materials can consist essentially of a single carbon source, e.g. glucose. Also, in some embodiments the one or more carbon raw materials can consist of a single carbon source, again e.g. glucose.

[0037] The one or more carbon raw materials can also exclude particular compounds, such as compounds that are immediate precursors of 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA and/or compounds that are typically manufactured from nonrenewable resources, e.g. from petroleum, based on substantially lower cost in comparison to manufacture thereof from renewable resources, e.g. crops. Incorporation of such compounds for production of polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules can be costly, particularly with respect to industrial manufacturing scale, e.g. by fermentation using 20,000 to 100,000 L vessels, based on requiring additional feeds and thus infrastructure and quality control, and can result in a need for tighter control in order to achieve polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer compositions with structural consistency. The one or more carbon raw materials can be, for example, ones that do not comprise γ-butyrolactone, 1,4-butanediol, 4-hydroxybutyrate, 3-hydroxybutyrate, a- ketoglutarate, oxaloacetate, malate, fumarate, citrate, succinate, or 3-hydroxybutyrate, and thus that exclude each of these compounds. Thus, for example, the culturing of the organism can be carried out in the absence of γ-butyrolactone, 1,4-butanediol, 4-hydroxybutyrate, 3-hydroxybutyrate, a- ketoglutarate, oxaloacetate, malate, fumarate, citrate, succinate, and 3-hydroxybutyrate, i.e. without adding any of these compounds exogenously before, during, or after the culturing.

[0038] The conditions can be conditions that are suitable, e.g. typical and/or optimal, for cultivation of the organism, e.g. with respect to temperature, oxygenation, initial titer of the organism, time of cultivation, etc. Exemplary suitable conditions are provided in the Examples below.

[0039] The one or more carbon raw materials can be converted to 3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA and 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA by enzymes expressed by the organism, as discussed in detail in the Examples. The 3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA and the 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA also can be polymerized to form the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules, thereby forming the composition, by enzymes expressed by the organism, again as discussed in detail in the Examples. [0040] In accordance with the method, the organism has been genetically engineered to comprise enzymatic activities of a polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase, an acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase, an acetoacetyl-CoA reductase, a succinate semialdehyde dehydrogenase, a succinic semialdehyde reductase, and a CoA transferase, and to not comprise enzymatic activities of either an NAD+- dependent succinate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase or an NADP+-dependent succinate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase or both.

[0041] The organism can be genetically engineered to comprise the enzymatic activities of a polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase, an acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase, an acetoacetyl-CoA reductase, a succinate semialdehyde dehydrogenase, a succinic semialdehyde reductase, and a CoA transferase, for example, by transforming the organism with one or more genes encoding each of the enzymatic activities. For example, the genes can be stably incorporated into the organism, e.g. by introduction on one or more stable plasmids and/or by integration into the genome of the organism. The organism can also be genetically engineered to comprise the enzymatic activities, for example, by altering the promoter regions of one or more genes encoding each of the enzymatic activities, for example by replacing naturally occurring promoters with stronger promoters and/or by eliminating repressor sequences. In addition, combinations of these approaches and the like can be used. Using approaches such as these can result in integration of the genes in the organism with high stability, e.g. greater than 50 generations of the organism, and high expression, sufficient for industrial production, for example, by fermentation using 20,000 to 100,000 L vessels. Suitable exemplary approaches are discussed in more detail below.

[0042] The organism also can be genetically engineered to not comprise enzymatic activities of either an NAD+-dependent succinate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase or an NADP+-dependent succinate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase or both, for example, by introducing one or more inhibitory mutations or sequences in the organism to inhibit expression of either or both activities, by deleting from the genome of the organism the corresponding genes that encode either or both activities, by disrupting either or both of the corresponding genes partially or completely by homologous recombination, and/or by interfering with expression of either or both of the corresponding genes such as by expressing siRNAs that interfere with expression of the corresponding genes. Suitable exemplary approaches are discussed in more detail below.

[0043] In accordance with the method, the organism can further be genetically engineered to comprise enzymatic activities of an alpha-ketoglutarate decarboxylase or 2-oxoglutarate

decarboxylase, and an L-l,2-propanediol oxidoreductase. The organism also can be genetically engineered to not comprise enzymatic activities of one or more of a thioesterase II , a multifunctional acyl-CoA thioesterase I and protease I and lysophospholipase L, an acyl-CoA thioesterase, and an aldehyde dehydrogenase. [0044] Also in accordance with the method, the one or more carbon raw materials, taken together, have a biobased content of > 80%. By this it is meant that the amount of biobased carbon in the one or more carbon raw materials, taken together, is > 80% of the weight (mass) of the total organic carbon of the one or more carbon raw materials, taken together. Thus, for example, the one or more carbon raw materials, taken together, can have a biobased content of > 80%> as measured in accordance with ASTM D6866-12. This can be accomplished, for example, by including at least one carbon raw material corresponding to a renewable resource, e.g. glucose, levoglucosan, sucrose, lactose, fructose, xylose, maltose, arabinose, and mixtures thereof, such that the biobased content of the renewable resource is 100% and that > 80%> of the weight (mass) of the total organic carbon of the one or more carbon raw materials corresponds to the renewable resource. The one or more carbon raw materials, taken together, can have, for example, a biobased content of > 95%, > 99%, or 100%).

[0045] The method can also comprise isolating the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules from the organism, such that the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer composition is substantially free of the organism. Suitable exemplary approaches for such isolation are known in the art.

[0046] A polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer composition made in accordance with the methods described above is also provided. The polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer composition can be one, for example, comprising a plurality of polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules, wherein the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules (i) comprise 3-hydroxybutyrate monomers and 4- hydroxybutyrate monomers, (ii) have a monomeric molar percentage of 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers of 23.5 to 75%), and (iii) have a biobased content of > 80%). Moreover, the polyhydroxyalkanoate composition can be one, for example, wherein (a) the monomeric molar percentage of 4- hydroxybutyrate monomers of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules is 25 to 70%, 30 to 40%, 40 to 50%, 50 to 60%, or 60 to 70%, (b) the biobased content of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules is > 95%, > 99%, or 100%, (c) the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules have a weight average molecular weight of 250 kDa to 2.0 MDa, 1.5 MDa to 2.0 MDa, or 1.7 MDa to 2.0 MDa, (d) the composition has a glass transition temperature of -60 °C to -5 °C, -50 °C to -15 °C, - 50 °C to -20 °C, or -45 °C to -15 °C, (e) the monomeric molar percentage of 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules does not decrease with increasing molecular weight of the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules, and/or (f) the

polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules are produced in a fermentation process using one or more carbon raw materials that, taken together, have a biobased content of > 80%), as described above. EXAMPLES

[0047] The present technology is further illustrated by the following examples, which should not be construed as limiting in any way. These examples describe a number of biotechnology tools and methods for the construction of strains that generate a product of interest. Suitable host strains, the potential source and a list of recombinant genes used in these examples, suitable extrachromosomal vectors, suitable strategies and regulatory elements to control recombinant gene expression, and a selection of construction techniques to overexpress genes in or inactivate genes from host organisms are described. These biotechnology tools and methods are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0048] Suitable Host Strains

[0049] In some embodiments, the host strain is E. coli K-12 strain LS5218 (Spratt et al, J. Bacteriol. 146 (3): 1166-1169 (1981); Jenkins and Nunn, J. Bacteriol. 169 (l):42-52 (1987)) or strain MG1655 (Guyer ei a/., Cold Spr. Harb. Symp. Quant. Biol. 45: 135-140 (1981)). Other suitable E. coli K-12 host strains include, but are not limited to, WG1 and W3110 (Bachmann Bacteriol. Rev. 36(4):525-57 (1972)). Alternatively, E. coli strain W (Archer et al, BMC Genomics 2011, 12:9 doi: 10.1186/1471-2164- 12-9) ox E. coli strain B (Delbruck and Luria, Arch. Biochem. 1 : 111 -141 (1946)) and their derivatives such as REL606 (Lenski et al, Am. Nat. 138: 1315-1341 (1991)) are other suitable E. coli host strains.

[0050] Other exemplary microbial host strains include but are not limited to: Ralstonia eutropha, Zoogloea ramigera, Allochromatium vinosum, Rhodococcus ruber, Delftia acidovorans, Aeromonas caviae, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942, Thiocapsa pfenigii, Bacillus megaterium, Acinetobacter baumannii, Acinetobacter baylyi, Clostridium kluyveri, Methylobacterium extorquens, Nocardia corralina, Nocardia salmonicolor, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas oleovorans, Pseudomonas sp. 6-19, Pseudomonas sp. 61-3 and

Pseudomonas putida, Rhodobacter sphaeroides, Alcaligenes latus, Klebsiella oxytoca,

Anaerobiospirillum succiniciproducens, Actinobacillus succinogenes, Mannheimia

succiniciproducens, Rhizobium etli, Bacillus subtilis, Corynebacterium glutamicum, Gluconobacter oxydans, Zymomonas mobilis, Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Streptomyces coelicolor, and Clostridium acetobutylicum. Exemplary yeasts or fungi include species selected from

Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Kluyveromyces lactis, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus niger and Pichia pastoris.

[0051] Exemplary algal strains include but are not limited to: Chlorella strains, species selected from: Chlorella minutissima, Chlorella emersonii, Chlorella sorokiniana, Chlorella ellipsoidea, Chlorella sp., or Chlorella protothecoides .

[0052] Source of Recombinant Genes

[0053] Sources of encoding nucleic acids for a PHB-co-4HB pathway enzyme can include, for example, any species where the encoded gene product is capable of catalyzing the referenced reaction. Such species include both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms including, but not limited to, bacteria, including archaea and eubacteria, and eukaryotes, including yeast, plant, insect, animal, and mammal, including human. Exemplary species for such sources include, for example, Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces kluyveri, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942, Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002, Chlorogleopsis sp. PCC 6912, Chloroflexus aurantiacus, Clostridium kluyveri, Clostridium acetobutylicum, Clostridium beijerinckii, Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum, Clostridium perjringens, Clostridium difficile, Clostridium botulinum, Clostridium tyrobutyricum, Clostridium tetanomorphum, Clostridium tetani, Clostridium propionicum, Clostridium aminobutyricum, Clostridium subterminale, Clostridium sticklandii, Ralstonia eutropha, Mycobacterium bovis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Arabidopsis thaliana, Thermus thermophilus, Pseudomonas species, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas stutzeri, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Chlorella minutissima, Chlorella emersonii, Chlorella sorokiniana, Chlorella ellipsoidea, Chlorella sp., Chlorella protothecoides, Homo sapiens, Oryctolagus cuniculus, Rhodobacter sphaeroides,

Thermoanaerobacter brockii, Metallosphaera sedula, Leuconostoc mes enter oides, Roseiflexus castenholzii, Erythrobacter, Simmondsia chinensis, Acinetobacter species, including Acinetobacter calcoaceticus and Acinetobacter baylyi, Sulfolobus tokodaii, Sulfolobus solfataricus, Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus brevis, Bacillus pumilus, Rattus norvegicus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Klebsiella oxytoca, Euglena gracilis, Treponema denticola, Moorella thermoacetica, Thermotoga maritima, Halobacterium salinarum, Geobacillus stearothermophilus, Aeropyrum pernix, Sus scrofa, Caenorhabditis elegans, Corynebacterium glutamicum, Acidaminococcus fermentans, Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum,

Streptococcus thermophilus, Enterobacter aerogenes, Candida sp., Aspergillus terreus, Pedicoccus pentosaceus, Zymomonas mobilus, Acetobacter pasteurians, Kluyveromyces lactis, Eubacterium barkeri, Bacteroides capillosus, Anaerotruncus colihominis, Natranaerobius thermophilus,

Campylobacter jejuni, Haemophilus influenzae, Serratia marcescens, Citrobacter amalonaticus, Myxococcus xanthus, Fusobacterium nuleatum, Penicillium chrysogenum, marine gamma proteobacterium, and butyrate -producing bacterium. For example, microbial hosts (e.g., organisms) having PHB-co-4HB biosynthetic production are exemplified herein with reference to an E. coli host. However, with the complete genome sequence available for now more than 550 species (with more than half of these available on public databases such as the NCBI), including 395 microorganism genomes and a variety of yeast, fungi, plant, and mammalian genomes, the identification of genes encoding the requisite PHB-co-4HB biosynthetic activity for one or more genes in related or distant species, including for example, homologues, orthologs, paralogs and nonorthologous gene displacements of known genes, and the interchange of genetic alterations between organisms is routine and well known in the art. Accordingly, the metabolic alterations enabling biosynthesis of PHB-CO-4HB and other compounds of the disclosure herein with reference to a particular organism such as E. coli can be readily applied to other microorganisms, including prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms alike. Given the teachings and guidance provided herein, those skilled in the art will know that a metabolic alteration exemplified in one organism can be applied equally to other organisms. [0054] Production of Transgenic Host for Producing 4HB

[0055] Transgenic (recombinant) hosts for producing PHB-co-4HB are genetically engineered using conventional techniques known in the art. The genes cloned and/or assessed for host strains producing PHB-co-4HB are presented below in Table 1 A, along with the appropriate Enzyme Commission number (EC number) and references. Some genes were synthesized for codon optimization while others were cloned via PCR from the genomic DNA of the native or wild-type host. As used herein, "heterologous" means from another host. The host can be the same or different species. FIG. 1 is an exemplary pathway for producing PHB-co-4HB.

[0056] Table 1A. Genes overproduced or deleted in microbial host strains producing PHB- co-4HB, in accordance with FIG. 1. A star (*) after the gene name denotes that the nucleotide sequence was optimized for expression in E. coli.

Reaction Gene Name Enzyme Name EC Accession No. number Number or Reference (FIG. 1)

1 phaA5 Acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase 2.3.1.9 2VU2_A

(a.k.a. beta-ketothiolase)

2 phaB5 Acetoacetyl-CoA reductase 1.1.1.36 P23238

3 sucD* Succinate semialdehyde 1.2.1.76 Gene/Protein dehydrogenase ID 1 ; U.S.

Patent Appl. No.

2011/024612

4 kgdM Alpha-ketoglutarate 4.1.1.71 NP_335730 decarboxylase

4 kgdP Alpha-ketoglutarate 4.1. l .n YP_004335105 decarboxylase

4 kgdS 2-Oxoglutarate decarboxylase 4.1. l .n ACB00744.1

5 ssaR-A * Succinic semialdehyde reductase 1.1.1.61 Gene/Protein

ID 2; U.S.

Patent Appl. No.

2011/024612

5 fucO _I6L . _L7V L-l,2-propanediol 1.1.1.77 Gene/Protein oxidoreductase ID 3

6 orfZ CoA transferase 2.8.3.n AAA92344

6 or/2150 CoA transferase 2.8.3.n NP_904965

7 bukl Butyrate kinase I 2.7.2.7 NP_349675

7 buk2 Butyrate kinase II 2.7.2.7 NP_348286

8 ptb Phosphotransbutyrylase 2.3.1.19 NP_349676 9 phaC3/C5 Polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase 2.3. l .n Gene/Protein fusion protein ID 4; U.S.

Patent No.

6,316,262;

U.S. Patent Appl. No.

20100168481 Al

9 phaC3/Cl * Polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase 2.3. l .n Gene/Protein fusion protein ID 5; U.S.

Patent Appl. No.

2011/024612

9 phaC3/C33 Polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase 2.3. l .n Gene/Protein fusion protein ID 6

10 ynel Succinate-semialdehyde 1.2.1.24 NP_416042 dehydrogenase, NAD+- dependent

10 gabD Succinate-semialdehyde 1.2.1.16 NP_417147 dehydrogenase, NADP+- dependent

10 astD Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1.2.1.71 NP_416260

11 PPCEc Phosphoenolpyruvate 4.1.1.31 NP_418391 carboxylase

12 tesA Multifunctional acyl-CoA 3.1.1.5, NP_415027 thioesterase I and protease I and 3.1.2.14

lysophospho lipase LI

12 tesB Thioesterase II 3.1.2.20 ZP 08342109

12 yciA Acyl-CoA thioesterase 3.1.2.20 NP_415769

[0057] Other proteins capable of catalyzing the reactions listed in Table 1 A can be discovered by consulting the scientific literature, patents, BRENDA searches (http://www.brenda- enzymes.info/), and/or by BLAST searches against e.g., nucleotide or protein databases at NCBI (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/). Synthetic genes can then be created to provide an easy path from sequence databases to physical DNA. Such synthetic genes are designed and fabricated from the ground up, using codons to enhance heterologous protein expression, and optimizing characteristics needed for the expression system and host. Companies such as e.g., DNA 2.0 (Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA) will provide such routine service. Proteins that may catalyze some of the biochemical reactions listed in Table 1A are provided in Tables IB through IX.

[0058] Table IB. Suitable homologues for the PhaA5 protein (beta-ketothiolase, from Zoogloea ramigera, EC No. 2.3.1.9, which acts on acetyl-CoA + acetyl-CoA to produce acetoacetyl- CoA; protein acc. no. 2VU2 A). Protein Name Protein Accession

No.

acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase YP_002827756

acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase YP_002283310

acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase YP_002733453

acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase ZP 01011874

acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase ZP 00961105

acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase YP_426557

acetyl-Coenzyme A acetyltransferase 3 NP_694791

acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase YP_003153095

Acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase CCF95917

acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase ZP 07454459

[0059] Table 1C. Suitable homologues for the PhaB5 protein (acetoacetyl-CoA reductase, from Zoogloea ramigera, EC No. 1.1.1.36, which acts on acetoacetyl-CoA to produce 3- hydroxybutyryl-CoA; protein acc. no. P23238).

Protein Name Protein Accession

No.

acetoacetyl-CoA reductase YP 002827755

phaB gene product YP ^" 770184

acetoacetyl-CoA reductase ZP ^" 08627619

molybdopterin-guanine dinucleotide ZP ^~ 01901796

biosynthesis protein A

acetoacetyl-CoA reductase YP 006369576

putative acetoacetyl-CoA reductase PhaB ZP ^" 09394630

acetoacetyl-CoA reductase YP ^" 001352246

acetoacetyl-CoA reductase ZP ^" 02467262

acetoacetyl-CoA reductase ZP ^" 01985557

[0060] Table ID. Suitable homologues for the SucD protein (succinate semialdehyde dehydrogenase, from Clostridium kluyveri, EC No. 1.2.1.76, which acts on succinyl-CoA to produce succinate semialdehyde; protein acc. no. YP 001396394).

Protein Name Protein Accession

No.

CoA-dependent succinate semialdehyde AAA92347

dehydrogenase

succinate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase ZP 06559980

[NAD(P)+]

succinate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase ZP_05401724

[NAD(P)+]

aldehyde-alcohol dehydrogenase family protein ZP 07821123

succinate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase ZP 06983179

[NAD(P)+]

succinate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase YP 001928839

hypothetical protein CLOHYLEM 05349 ZP 03778292

succinate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase YP 003994018

[NAD(P)+]

succinate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase NP 904963 [0061] Table IE. Suitable homologues for the KgdM protein (alpha-ketoglutarate decarboxylase, from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, EC No. 4.1.1.71, which acts on alpha-ketoglutarate to produce succinate semialdehyde and carbon dioxide; protein acc. no. NP 335730).

Protein Name Protein Accession No.

alpha-ketoglutarate decarboxylase YP 001282558

alpha-ketoglutarate decarboxylase NP ^" 854934

2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase sucA ZP ^" 06454135

2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase sucA ZP 04980193

alpha-ketoglutarate decarboxylase NP 961470

alpha-ketoglutarate decarboxylase Kgd YP ^" 001852457

alpha-ketoglutarate decarboxylase NP ^" 301802

alpha-ketoglutarate decarboxylase ZP ^" 05215780

alpha-ketoglutarate decarboxylase YP 001702133

[0062] Table IF. Suitable homologues for the KgdP protein (Alpha-ketoglutarate decarboxylase, from Pseudonocardia dioxanivorans CB1190, EC No. 4.1.1.n, which acts on alpha- ketoglutarate to produce succinate semialdehyde and carbon dioxide; protein acc. no.

YP_004335105).

Protein Name Protein Accession No.

alpha-ketoglutarate decarboxylase ZP 08119245

2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase, El component ZP_09743222

alpha-ketoglutarate decarboxylase YP_705947

alpha-ketoglutarate decarboxylase NP_961470

alpha-ketoglutarate decarboxylase ZP_08024348

alpha-ketoglutarate decarboxylase YP_003343675

kgd gene product NP_737800

2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complex, YP 004223349

dehydrogenase (El) component

oxoglutarate dehydrogenase (succinyl- EJF35718

transferring), El component

[0063] Table 1G. Suitable homologues for the KgdS protein (2-oxoglutarate decarboxylase, from Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002, EC No. 4.1.1.n, which acts on alpha-ketoglutarate to produce succinate semialdehyde and carbon dioxide; protein acc. no. ACB00744.1).

Protein Name Protein Accession No.

alpha-ketoglutarate decarboxylase YP 001282558

alpha-ketoglutarate decarboxylase NP ^" 854934

2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase sucA ZP ^" 06454135

2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase sucA ZP 04980193

alpha-ketoglutarate decarboxylase NP 961470

alpha-ketoglutarate decarboxylase Kgd YP ^" 001852457

alpha-ketoglutarate decarboxylase NP ^" 301802

alpha-ketoglutarate decarboxylase ZP ^" 05215780

alpha-ketoglutarate decarboxylase YP 001702133 [0064] Table 1H. Suitable homologues for the SsaR _At protein (succinic semialdehyde reductase, from Arabidopsis thaliana, EC No. 1.1.1.61, which acts on succinate semialdehyde to produce 4-hydroxybutyrate; protein acc. no. AAK94781).

Protein Name Protein Accession No.

6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase NAD- XP_002885728

binding domain-containing protein

hypothetical protein isoform 1 XP 002266252

predicted protein XP 002320548

hypothetical protein isoform 2 XP 002266296

unknown ACU22717

3-hydroxyisobutyrate dehydrogenase, putative XP 002524571

unknown ABK22179

unknown ACJ85049

predicted protein XP 001784857

[0065] Table II. Suitable homologues for the FUCOK _L - _LW protein (L-l,2-propanediol oxidoreductase, from Escherichia coli str. K-12 substr. MG1655, EC No. 1.1.1.77, which acts on succinate semialdehyde to produce 4-hydroxybutyrate).

Protein Name Protein Accession No.

L-l,2-propanediol oxidoreductase YP 001459571

lactaldehyde reductase ZP ^" 12475782

L-l,2-propanediol oxidoreductase YP ^{" "} 001455658

lactaldehyde reductase ZP ^" 17109585

L-l,2-propanediol oxidoreductase YP ^" 003294352

L-l,2-propanediol oxidoreductase YP ^" 002988900

L-l,2-propanediol oxidoreductase ZP ^" 09185179

lactaldehyde reductase ZP ^" 06759418

alcohol dehydrogenase ZP ^" 05943499

[0066] Table 1 J. Suitable homologues for the OrfZ protein (CoA transferase, from Clostridium kluyveri DSM 555, EC No. 2.8.3.n, which acts on 4-hydroxybutyrate to produce 4- hydroxybutyryl CoA; protein acc. no. AAA92344).

Protein Name Protein Accession No.

4-hydroxybutyrate coenzyme A transferase YP 001396397

acetyl-CoA hydrolase/transferase ZP ^" 05395303

acetyl-CoA hydrolase/transferase YP ^" 001309226

4-hydroxybutyrate coenzyme A transferase NP ^" 781174

4-hydroxybutyrate coenzyme A transferase ZP ^" 05618453

acetyl-CoA hydrolase/transferase ZP ^" 05634318

4-hydroxybutyrate coenzyme A transferase ZP ^" 00144049

hypothetical protein ANASTE 01215 ZP ^" 02862002

4-hydroxybutyrate coenzyme A transferase ZP ^" 07455129

[0067] Table IK. Suitable homologues for the OrfZ150 protein (CoA transferase, from Porphyromonas gingivalis W83, EC No. 2.8.3.n, which acts on 4-hydroxybutyrate to produce 4- hydroxybutyryl CoA; protein acc. no. NP 904965). Protein Name Protein Accession No.

4-hydroxybutyrate CoA-transferase YP 005014371

hypothetical protein FUAG 02467 ZP ^" 10973595

acetyl-CoA hydrolase/transferase ZP 10325539

4-hydroxybutyrate coenzyme A transferase ZP 10895308

4-hydroxybutyrate CoA-transferase ZP 15973607

acetyl-CoA hydrolase/transferase YP 003639307

4-hydroxybutyrate coenzyme A transferase ZP ^" 08514074

succinyl:benzoate coenzyme A transferase YP 006721017

4-hydroxybutyrate CoA-transferase YP ^" 003961374

[0068] Table 1L. Suitable homologues for the Bukl protein (butyrate kinase I, from Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC824, EC No. 2.7.2.7, which acts on 4-hydroxybutyrate to produce 4-hydroxybutyryl phosphate).

Protein Name Protein Accession

No.

butyrate kinase YP 001788766

butyrate kinase YP 697036

butyrate kinase YP 003477715

butyrate kinase YP 079736

acetate and butyrate kinase ZP 01667571

butyrate kinase YP 013985

butyrate kinase ZP 04670620

butyrate kinase ZP 04670188

butyrate kinase ZP 07547119

[0069] Table 1M. Suitable homologues for the Buk2 protein (butyrate kinase II, from Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC824, EC No. 2.7.2.7, which acts on 4-hydroxybutyrate to produce 4-hydroxybutyryl phosphate).

Protein Name Protein Accession

No.

butyrate kinase YP 001311072

hypothetical protein CLOSPO 00144 ZP 02993103

hypothetical protein COPEUT 01429 ZP 02206646

butyrate kinase EFR5649

butyrate kinase ZP 0720132

butyrate kinase YP 0029418

butyrate kinase YP 002132418

butyrate kinase ZP 05389806

phosphate butyryltransferase ADQ27386

[0070] Table IN. Suitable homologues for the Ptb protein (phosphotransbutyrylase, from Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC824, EC No. 2.3.1.19, which acts on 4-hydroxybutyryl phosphate to produce 4-hydroxybutyryl CoA).

Protein Name Protein Accession

No. Protein Name Protein Accession

No.

phosphate butyryltransferase YP 001884531

hypothetical protein COPCOM 01477 ZP ^" 03799220

phosphate butyryltransferase YP ^" 00331697

phosphate butyryltransferase YP ^" 004204177

phosphate acetyl/butyryltransferase ZP ^" 05265675

putative phosphate acetyl/butyryltransferase ZP ^" 05283680

bifunctional enoyl-CoA hydratase/phosphate YP ^" _426556

acetyltransferase

hypothetical protein CLOBOL 07039 ZP 02089466

phosphate butyryltransferase YP ^" 003564887

[0071] Table lO. Suitable homologues for the PhaC3/C5 protein (Polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase fusion protein from Pseudomonas putida and Zoogloea ramigera, EC No. 2.3.1.n, which acts on (Pv)-3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA or 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA + [(R)-3-hydroxybutanoate-co-4- hydroxybutanoate] _n to produce [(R)-3-hydroxybutanoate-co-4-hydroxybutanoate] _(n+ i ₎ + CoA and also acts on 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA + [4-hydroxybutanoate] _n to produce [4-hydroxybutanoate] _(n+ i ₎ + CoA).

Protein Name Protein Accession

No.

PHB polymerase AAB06755

polyhydroxyalkanoic acid synthase ZP 10443466

poly(R)-hydroxyalkanoic acid synthase, class I ZP 10719804

poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) polymerase PhaC YP 004685292

poly(R)-hydroxyalkanoic acid synthase, class I ZP ^" 02382303

poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate polymerase YP 003977718

phaC2 gene product YP ^" 583821

poly(R)-hydroxyalkanoic acid synthase YP ^" 001003639

poly(R)-hydroxyalkanoic acid synthase YP ^" 283333

[0072] Table IP. Suitable homologues for the PhaC3/Cl protein (Polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase fusion protein from Pseudomonas putida and Ralstonia eutropha JMP134, EC No. 2.3.1.n, which acts on (R)-3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA or 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA + [(R)-3-hydroxybutanoate-co-4- hydroxybutanoate] _n to produce [(R)-3-hydroxybutanoate-co-4-hydroxybutanoate] _(n+ i ₎ + CoA and also acts on 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA + [4-hydroxybutanoate] _n to produce [4-hydroxybutanoate] _(n+ i ₎ + CoA).

Protein Name Protein Accession

No.

Poly(R)-hydroxyalkanoic acid synthase, class I YP 295561

Poly(3 -hydroxybutyrate) polymerase YP 725940

polyhydroxyalkanoic acid synthase AAW65074

polyhydroxyalkanoic acid synthase YP 002005374

Poly(R)-hydroxyalkanoic acid synthase, class I YP 583508

intracellular polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase ADM24646

Poly(3 -hydroxyalkanoate) polymerase ZP 00942942

polyhydroxyalkanoic acid synthase YP 003752369

PhaC AAF23364 [0073] Table 1Q. Suitable homologues for the PhaC3/C33 protein (Polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase fusion protein from Pseudomonas putida and Delftia acidovorans 89-11 -102, EC No.

2.3.1.n, which acts on (R)-3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA or 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA + [(R)-3- hydroxybutanoate-co-4-hydroxybutanoate] _n to produce [(R)-3-hydroxybutanoate-co-4- hydroxybutanoate] _(n+ i ₎ + CoA and also acts on 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA + [4-hydroxybutanoate] _n to produce [4-hydroxybutanoate] _(n+ i ₎ + CoA).

Protein Name Protein Accession

No.

polyhydroxybutyrate synthase AAL17611

poly(R)-hydroxyalkanoic acid synthase, class I ZP 04764634

poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate polymerase protein CAQ36337

poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate polymerase YP 004360851

poly(R)-hydroxyalkanoic acid synthase, class I ZP 08961344

poly(R)-hydroxyalkanoic acid synthase YP 983028

polyhydroxyalkanoic acid synthase EGF41868

Poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate polymerase ZP 02489627

polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase ABN71571

[0074] Table 1R. Suitable homologues for the Ynel (Sad) protein (succinate semialdehyde dehydrogenase, NAD+-dependent, from Escherichia coli str. K-12 substr. MG1655, EC No. 1.2.1.24, which acts on glutarate semialdehyde (succinic semialdehyde) to produce glutarate (succinate);

Protein acc. no. NP 416042 (Fuhrer et al, J Bacterid. 2007 Nov;189(22):8073-8. Dennis and Valentin, U.S. Patent No. 6,117,658)).

Protein Name Protein Accession

No.

succinate semialdehyde dehydrogenase NP 805238

putative aldehyde dehydrogenase YP 002919404

aldehyde dehydrogenase NP 745295

aldehyde dehydrogenase ZP 03269266

aldehyde dehydrogenase ZP 05726943

aldehyde dehydrogenase YP 001906721

hypothetical protein BAF01627

aldehyde dehydrogenase ZP 03739186

succinate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase NP 637690

[0075] Table IS. Suitable homologues for the GabD protein (succinate semialdehyde dehydrogenase, NADP+-dependent, from Escherichia coli str. K-12 substr. MG1655, EC No.

1.2.1.20, which acts on glutarate semialdehyde (or succinic semialdehyde) to produce glutarate (or succinate); Protein acc. no. NP 417147 (Riley et al, Nucleic Acids Res. 34 (1), 1 -9 (2006))).

Protein Name Protein Accession

No.

succinate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase I ZP 05433422

succinate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase YP 001744810

(NAD(P)(+)) Protein Name Protein Accession

No.

hypothetical protein CIT292 04137 ZP 03838093

succinate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase YP 002638371

succinate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase I YP ^" 001333939

succinate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase I NP ^" 742381

succinate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase YP^ j)02932123

[NADP+] (ssdh)

succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase YP 001951927

succinate semialdehyde dehydrogenase YP ^" 298405

[0076] Table IT. Suitable homologues for the AstD protein (aldehyde dehydrogenase from Escherichia coli K-12 substr. MG1655, EC No. 1.2.1.71, which acts on succinate semialdehyde to produce succinate); Protein acc. no. NP 416260.

Protein Name Protein Accession

No.

succinylglutamic semialdehyde dehydro^ *enase YP 002382476

hypothetical protein Dl 86 18882 ZP ^" 16280274

succinylglutamic semialdehyde dehydro^ *enase YP 003942089

succinylglutamate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase ZP ^" 16225314

succinylglutamic semialdehyde dehydro^ *enase YP ^~ 005933902

AstD

succinylglutamic semialdehyde dehydro^ *enase YP 005431041

succinylglutamic semialdehyde dehydro^ *enase ZP ^{" "} 10352779

succinylglutamic semialdehyde dehydro^ *enase ZP 10036944

succinylglutamic semialdehyde dehydro^ *enase YP 004730031

[0077] Table 1U. Suitable homologues for the Ppc protein (phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, from Escherichia coli sir. K-12 substr. MG1655, EC No. 4.1.1.31, which acts on phosphoenolpyruvate and carbon dioxide to produce oxaloacetate; protein acc. no. NP 418391).

Protein Name Protein Accession

No.

phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase ZP 02904134

phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase YP ^" 002384844

phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase YP ^{" "} 003367228

phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase ZP ^" 02345134

phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase ZP 04558550

phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase YP 003615503

phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase YP ^" 002241183

phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase CBK84190

phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase YP 003208553

[0078] Table IV. Suitable homologues for the TesA protein (multifunctional acyl-CoA thioesterase I and protease I and lysophospho lipase LI, from Escherichia coli K-12 substr. MG1655, EC No. 3.1.1.5 and 3.1.2.14, which acts on 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA to produce 4-hydroxybutyrate; protein acc. no. NP 415027). Protein Name Protein Accession

No.

multifunctional acyl-CoA thioesterase I/protease ZP _. 16276771

I/lysophospho lipase LI

multifunctional acyl-CoA thioesterase I/protease YP 001175703

I/lysophospho lipase LI

tesA; acyl-CoA thioesterase I ZP 06549555

Arylesterase precursor ZP 16338589

multifunctional acyl-CoA thioesterase I/protease YP _006343946

I/lysophospho lipase LI

lysophospholipase YP 002986681

multifunctional acyl-CoA thioesterase I and YP ^~ _049328

protease I and lysophospholipase LI

multifunctional acyl-CoA thioesterase I and ZP _. 10113091

protease I and lysophospholipase LI

hypothetical protein PROSTU 03568 ZP 02997848

[0079] Table 1W. Suitable homologues for the TesB protein (thioesterase II, from Escherichia coli K-12 substr. MG1655, EC No. 3.1.2.20, which acts on 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA to produce 4-hydroxybutyrate; protein acc. no. ZP 08342109).

Protein Name Protein Accession

No.

acyl-CoA thioesterase II ZP 09460164

acyl-CoA thioesterase NP ^" 455062

acyl-CoA thioesterase II ZP ^" 10490626

acyl-CoA thioesterase II TesB YP 005196718

acyl-CoA thioesterase II YP ^" 002649594

acyl-CoA thioesterase II (TEII) NP ^" 931060

Acyl-CoA thioesterase II ZP ^" 01217095

acyl-CoA thioesterase II ZP 10142747

acyl-CoA thioesterase II ZP ^" 10354000

[0080] Table IX. Suitable homologues for the YciA protein (acyl-CoA thioesterase, from Escherichia coli K-12 substr. MG1655, EC No. 3.1.2.20, which acts on 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA to produce 4-hydroxybutyrate; protein acc. no. NP 415769).

Protein Name Protein Accession

No.

acyl-CoA thioester hydrolase YP 002382845

acyl-CoA thioester hydrolase YP ^" 001570262

thioesterase superfamily protein YP ^" 005019613

acyl-CoA thioester hydrolase YP ^" 050409

acyl-CoA thioester hydrolase YP ^" 002151085

acyl-CoA thioester hydrolase YciA NP ^~ 777876

hypothetical protein VC1701 NP ^~ 231337

thioesterase superfamily protein YP ^" 002893359

acyl-CoA thioester hydrolase ZP ^" 11128814

[0081] Suitable Extrachromosomal Vectors and Plasmids [0082] A "vector," as used herein, is an extrachromosomal replicon, such as a plasmid, phage, or cosmid, into which another DNA segment may be inserted so as to bring about the replication of the inserted segment. Vectors vary in copy number, depending on their origin of replication, and size. Vectors with different origins of replication can be propagated in the same microbial cell unless they are closely related such as pMBl and ColEl . Suitable vectors to express recombinant proteins can constitute pUC vectors with a pMBl origin of replication having 500-700 copies per cell, pBluescript vectors with a ColEl origin of replication having 300-500 copies per cell, pBR322 and derivatives with a pMBl origin of replication having 15-20 copies per cell, pACYC and derivatives with a pl5A origin of replication having 10-12 copies per cell, and pSClOl and derivatives with a pSClOl origin of replication having about 5 copies per cell as described in the QIAGEN® Plasmid Purification Handbook ( found on the world wide web at:

//kirshner.med.harvard.edu/files/protocols/QIAGEN Q IAGENPlasmidPurification_EN.pdf). A widely used vector is pSE380 that allows recombinant gene expression from an IPTG-inducible trc promoter (Invitrogen, La Jolla, CA).

[0083] Suitable Strategies and Expression Control Sequences for Recombinant Gene Expression

[0084] Strategies for achieving expression of recombinant genes in E. coli have been extensively described in the literature (Gross, Chimica Oggi 7(3):21 -29 (1989); Olins and Lee, Cur. Op. Biotech. 4:520-525 (1993); Makrides, Microbiol. Rev. 60(3):512-538 (1996); Hannig and Makrides, Trends in Biotech. 16:54-60 (1998)). Expression control sequences can include constitutive and inducible promoters, transcription enhancers, transcription terminators, and the like which are well known in the art. Suitable promoters include, but are not limited to, Pi _ac , P _tac , P _trc , P _R ,

P∑I PphoAi Para? PuspA? PrpsU? P syn (Rosenberg and Court, Ann. Rev. Genet. 13:319-353 (1979); Hawley and McClure, Nucl. Acids Res. 11 (8):2237-2255 (1983); Harley and Raynolds, Nucl. Acids Res. 15:2343-2361 (1987); also at the world wide web at ecocyc.org and partsregistry.org).

[0085] Exemplary promoters are: P _synA (5'- TTGACAGCTAGCTCAGTCCTAGGTATAATGCTAGC -3') (SEQ ID NO: 1), ^ (5'- TTGACAGCTAGCTCAGTCCTAGGTACTGTGCTAGC -3') (SEQ ID NO: 2), P _S}mE (5'- TTTACAGCTAGCTCAGTCCTAGGTATTATGCTAGC -3') (SEQ ID NO: 3), P _synH (y- CTGACAGCTAGCTCAGTCCTAGGTATAATGCTAGC -3') (SEQ ID NO: 4), P _S}mK (5'- TTTACGGCTAGCTCAGTCCTAGGTACAATGCTAGC -3') (SEQ ID NO: 5), P _synM (5'- TTGACAGCTAGCTCAGTCCTAGGGACTATGCTAGC -3') (SEQ ID NO: 6), P _x (5'- TCGCCAGTCTGGCCTGAACATGATATAAAAT -3') (SEQ ID NO: 7), P _uspA (5'- AACCACTATCAATATATTCATGTCGAAAATTTGTTTATCTAACGAGTAAGCAAGGCGGAT TGACGGATCATCCGGGTCGCTATAAGGTAAGGATGGTCTTAACACTGAATCCTTACGGCT GGGTTAGCCCCGCGCACGTAGTTCGCAGGACGCGGGTGACGTAACGGCACAAGAAACG - 3') (SEQ ID NO: g), P _rpsU (5'-

ATGCGGGTTGATGTAAAACTTTGTTCGCCCCTGGAGAAAGCCTCGTGTATACTCCTC ACC CTTATAAAAGTCCCTTTCAAAAAAGGCCGCGGTGCTTTACAAAGCAGCAGCAATTGCAGT AAAATTCCGCACCATTTTGAAATAAGCTGGCGTTGATGCCAGCGGCAAAC -3') (SEQ ID NO: 9), P _synAF7 (5' - TTGACAGCTAGCTCAGTCCTAGGTACAGTGCTAGC - 3') (SEQ ID NO:

10) , and P _synAF3 (5' - TTGACAGCTAGCTCAGTCCTAGGTACAATGCTAGC - 3') (SEQ ID NO:

11) .

[0086] Exemplary terminators are: T _trpL (5'- CTAATGAGCGGGCTTTTTTTTGAACAAAA (SEQ ID NO: \3), T _rrnB1 (5-

ATAAAACGAAAGGCTCAGTCGAAAGACTGGGCCTTTCGTTTTAT -3') (SEQ ID NO: 14), and T _rrnB2 (5- AGAAGGCCATCCTGACGGATGGCCTTTT -3') (SEQ ID NO: 15).

[0087] Construction of Recombinant Hosts

[0088] Recombinant hosts containing the necessary genes that will encode the enzymatic pathway for the conversion of a carbon substrate to PHB-co-4HB may be constructed using techniques well known in the art.

[0089] Methods of obtaining desired genes from a source organism (host) are common and well known in the art of molecular biology. Such methods are described in, for example, Sambrook et al. , Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Third Ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York (2001); Ausubel et al, Current Protocols in Molecular Biology , John Wiley and Sons, Baltimore, MD (1999). For example, if the sequence of the gene is known, the DNA may be amplified from genomic DNA using polymerase chain reaction (Mullis, U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,202) with primers specific to the gene of interest to obtain amounts of DNA suitable for ligation into appropriate vectors.

Alternatively, the gene of interest may be chemically synthesized de novo in order to take into consideration the codon bias of the host organism to enhance heterologous protein expression.

Expression control sequences such as promoters and transcription terminators can be attached to a gene of interest via polymerase chain reaction using engineered primers containing such sequences. Another way is to introduce the isolated gene into a vector already containing the necessary control sequences in the proper order by restriction endonuclease digestion and ligation. One example of this latter approach is the BioBrick™ technology (www.biobricks.org) where multiple pieces of DNA can be sequentially assembled together in a standardized way by using the same two restriction sites.

[0090] In addition to using vectors, genes that are necessary for the enzymatic conversion of a carbon substrate to PHB-co-4HB can be introduced into a host organism by integration into the chromosome using either a targeted or random approach. For targeted integration into a specific site on the chromosome, the method generally known as Red/ET recombineering is used as originally described by Datsenko and Wanner (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2000, 97, 6640-6645). Random integration into the chromosome involves using a mini-Tn5 transposon-mediated approach as described by Huisman et al. (US Patent Nos. 6,316,262 and 6,593,116).

[0091] Culturing of Host to Produce PHB-co-4HB Biomass

[0092] In general, the recombinant host is cultured in a medium with a carbon source and other essential nutrients to produce the PHB-co-4HB biomass by fermentation techniques either in batches or using continuously operating methods known in the art. Additional additives can also be included, for example, antifoaming agents and the like for achieving desired growth conditions.

Fermentation is particularly useful for large scale production. An exemplary method uses bioreactors for culturing and processing the fermentation broth to the desired product. Other techniques such as separation techniques can be combined with fermentation for large scale and/or continuous production.

[0093] As used herein, the term "feedstock" refers to a substance used as a carbon raw material in an industrial process. When used in reference to a culture of organisms such as microbial or algae organisms such as a fermentation process with cells, the term refers to the raw material used to supply a carbon or other energy source for the cells. Carbon sources useful for the production of PHB-co-4HB include simple, inexpensive sources, for example, glucose, levoglucosan, sucrose, lactose, fructose, xylose, maltose, arabinose, and the like alone or in combination. In other embodiments, the feedstock is molasses, starch, a fatty acid, a vegetable oil, a lignocellulosic material, and the like, again alone or in combination. In still other embodiments the feedstock can be ethanol, acetic acid, glycerol, and the like, alone or in combination. It is also possible to use organisms to produce the PHB-co-4HB biomass that grow on synthesis gas (CO _2, CO and hydrogen) produced from renewable biomass resources, i.e. a biomass-derived synthesis gas, and/or methane originating from a landfill gas.

[0094] Introduction of PHB-co-4HB pathway genes allows for flexibility in utilizing readily available and inexpensive feedstocks. A "renewable" feedstock refers to a renewable energy source such as material derived from living organisms or their metabolic byproducts including material derived from biomass, often consisting of underutilized components like chaff or stover. Agricultural products specifically grown for use as renewable feedstocks include, for example, corn, soybeans, switchgrass and trees such as poplar, wheat, flaxseed and rapeseed, sugar cane and palm oil. As renewable sources of energy and raw materials, agricultural feedstocks based on crops are the ultimate replacement for declining oil reserves. Plants use solar energy and carbon dioxide fixation to make thousands of complex and functional biochemicals beyond the current capability of modern synthetic chemistry. These include fine and bulk chemicals, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, flavonoids, vitamins, perfumes, polymers, resins, oils, food additives, bio-colorants, adhesives, solvents, and lubricants.

[0095] Extraction of PHB-co-4HB Copolymers from Biomass [0096] PHB-co-4HB copolymer was extracted as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,713,720 and 7,252,980.

[0097] Molecular Weight Determination using Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC)

[0098] Molecular weight of PHA is estimated by Gel Permeation Chromatography using a Waters Alliance HPLC System equipped with a refractive index detector. The column set is a series of three PLGel 10 μιη Mixed-B (Polymer Labs, Amherst, MA) columns with chloroform as mobile phase pumped at 1 ml/min. The column set is calibrated with narrow distribution polystyrene standards. The PHA sample is dissolved in chloroform at a concentration of 2.0 mg/ml at 60° C. The sample is filtered with a 0.2 μιη Teflon syringe filter. A 50 μ-liter injection volume is used for the analysis. The chromatogram is analyzed with Waters Empower GPC Analysis software. Molecular weights are reported as polystyrene equivalent molecular weights.

[0099] Measurement of Thermal Properties

[00100] The glass transition of PHB-co-4HB copolymers was measured using a TA

Instruments Q100 Differential scanning Calorimeter (DSC) with autosampler. 8-12 mg of a PHA sample was carefully weighed into an aluminum pan and sealed with an aluminum lid. The sample was then placed in the DSC under a nitrogen purge and analyzed using a heat-cool-heat cycle. The heating/cooling range was -80° C to 200° C with a heating rate of 10° C/min and cooling rate of 5° C/min.

[00101] Determination of Biobased Content

[00102] The biobased content of the PHB-co-4HB copolymer was measured by radiocarbon dating based on ASTM D6866. ASTM D6866 is the method approved by the U.S.

Department of Agriculture for determining the renewable/biobased content of natural range materials. The method provides a percentage determination of fossil carbon content versus renewable or biomass carbon content of a product or fuel blend. ASTM D6866 is used extensively to certify the biobased content of bioplastics.

[00103] EXAMPLE 1: Production of PHB-co-4HB with 50% or higher 4HB co- monomer content from glucose as sole carbon source

[00104] This example shows PHB-co-4HB production with 50% or higher 4HB co- monomer content from glucose as sole carbon source in engineered E. coli host cells. The strains used in this example are listed in Table 2. All these strains were constructed using the well-known biotechnology tools and methods described above. They all contained chromosomal deletions of ynel and gabD with the exception of strains 31 and 32 which also contained chromosomal deletions of tesB, tesA, yciA, and astD.

[00105] Table 2. Strains used in Example 1.

Strains Operon Configuration

31 P _x -pha C3/C5-P _uspA -sucD-ssaR, P _uspA -phaA 5-phaB5, P _synl -kgdS- T, oo6-P _rps irfucOi _6L . _L7V -orfZ150, P _rpsU ::orfZ

P _x -pha C3/C5-P _uspA -sucD-ssaR, P _uspA -phaA 5-phaB5, P _synAF7 -kgdS- Tj ooe-Prpsir f cO _I6L .

32

_L7V -otfZ150, P _rpsU ::orfZ

16 P _x -pha C3/C1 *- T _trpL -P _uspA -phaA 5-phaB5-T _l006 -P _synH -ssaR _At *-sucD * P _rps u-orfZ

17 P _x -pha C3/C1 *-T _trpL -P _uspA -phaA 5-phaB5- T, ₀₀₆ -P \ _ynA -ssaR _At *-sucD * P _rps u-orfZ

19 P _x -pha C3/C1 *-T _trpL -P _uspA -phaA 5-phaB5- T, οοβ-P _syn M-ssaR _At *-suc

1 P _x -phaC3/C5-T _trpL -P _uspA -sucD*-ssaR _At * P _uspA -phaA5-phaB5,

20 P _x -phaC3/Cl *-P _uspA -sucD*-ssaR _At *, P _mpA -phaA5-phaB5, Ρ _ψ5υ -οΓ Ζ

P _x -phaC3/C5-P _uspA -sucD-ssaR, P _uspA -phaA5-phaB5; P _synA F3-kgdS-T _m6 -P _rpsU -fucO _I6L .

33

_L7V -orfZ150, P _rpsU ::orfZ

[00106] The strains were evaluated in a shake plate assay. The production medium consisted of lx E2 minimal salts, lx E0 minimal salts, 5 mM MgS0 ₄ , and lx Trace Salts Solution. The carbon source consisted of 40 g/L glucose for strains 31, 32, and 33, whereas for all other strains in Examples 1 to 5, glucose concentration was 20 g/L. 50x E2 stock solution consists of 1.28 M NaNH ₄ HPCy4H ₂ 0, 1.64 M K ₂ HP0 ₄ , and 1.36 M KH ₂ P0 ₄ . 50x E0 stock solution consists of 1.28 M Na ₂ HP0 ₄ , 1.64 M K ₂ HP0 ₄ and 1.36 M KH ₂ P0 ₄ . lOOOx Trace Salts Solution is prepared by adding per 1 L of 1.5 N HCl: 50 g FeSCy7H ₂ 0, 11 g ZnSCy7H ₂ 0, 2.5 g MnSCy4H ₂ 0, 5 g CuSCy5H ₂ 0, 0.5 g (ΝΗ ₄ ) ₆ Μο ₇ 0 ₂₄ ·4Η ₂ 0, 0.1 g Na ₂ B ₄ 0 ₇ , and 10 g CaCl ₂ -2H ₂ 0.

[00107] To examine production of PHB-co-4HB, the strains were cultured in triplicate overnight in sterile tubes containing 3 mL of LB and appropriate antibiotics. After culturing was complete, 60 μΕ was removed from a tube and then added to 1440 μΕ of production medium. The resulting 1500 μΕ cultures were then added to three wells of a Duetz deep-well plate as 500 μΕ aliquots. The shake plate was incubated at 37°C with shaking for 6 hours and then shifted to 30°C for 40 hours with shaking for all strains in Examples 1 to 5, except for strains 31, 32, and 33 which were incubated at 37°C with shaking for 6 hours and then shifted to 28° C for 42 hours with shaking. Thereafter, cultures from the three wells were combined (1.5 mL total) and analyzed for polymer content. At the end of the experiment, cultures were spun down at 4150 rpm, washed once with distilled water, frozen at -80°C for at least 30 minutes, and lyophilized overnight. The next day, a measured amount of lyophilized cell pellet was added to a glass tube, followed by 3 mL of butanolysis reagent that consists of an equal volume mixture of 99.9% n-butanol and 4.0 N HCl in dioxane with 2 mg/mL diphenylmethane as internal standard. After capping the tubes, they were vortexed briefly and placed on a heat block set to 93°C for six hours with periodic vortexing.

Afterwards, the tube was cooled down to room temperature before adding 3 mL distilled water. The tube was vortexed for approximately 10 s before spinning down at 620 rpm (Sorvall Legend RT benchtop centrifuge) for 2 min. 1 mL of the organic phase was pipetted into a GC vial, which was then analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) (Hewlett-Packard 5890 Series II). The quantity of PHA in the cell pellet was determined by comparing against standard curves for both 3HB and 4HB (for PHB-co-4HB analysis). The 4HB standard curve was generated by adding different amounts of a 10% solution of γ-butyrolactone (GBL) in butanol to separate butanolysis reactions. The 3HB standard curve was generated by adding different amounts of 99% ethyl 3-hydroxybutyrate to separate butanolysis reactions.

[00108] All examinations for PHB-co-4HB production were performed in triplicate as indicated above. Some strains were examined for polymer production in this manner on different days. Representative results for each strain tested are shown in Table 3 and demonstrate that the %>4HB content for each copolymer composition was 50%> or higher.

[00109] Table 3. PHB-co-4HB polymer production from microbial strains.

replicate measurements not available

[00110] EXAMPLE 2: Production of PHB-co-4HB with 4HB co-monomer content between 40% and 50% from glucose as sole carbon source

[00111] This example shows PHB-co-4HB production with 4HB co-monomer content between 40 and 50%> from glucose as sole carbon source in engineered E. coli host cells. The strains used in this example are listed in Table 4. All these strains were constructed using the well-known biotechnology tools and methods described above. They all contained chromosomal deletions of ynel and gabD.

[00112] Table 4. Strains used in Example 2.

Strains Operon Configuration

23 P _x -phaC3/C33 ^T^pi-P^-phaAS-phaBS-ssaR^-sucD*, P, _j , _sU -orfZ

22 P _x -phaC3/Cl *-P _uspA -phaA5-phaB5-ssaR _At *-sucD*, P _rpsU -orfZ

21 P _x -pha C3/C1 *- T _trpL -P _uspA -phaA 5-phaB5-T _m6 -P _syn c-ssaR _A t *-sucD * P _rps u-orfZ

2 P _x -phaC3/C5-T _trpL -P _uspA -phaA5-phaB5-T ₁₀ o ₆ -P _S ync-ssaR _A *-sucD*

3 P _x -pha C3/C5- T _trpL -P _uspA -phaA 5-phaB5-ssaR _At *- T, ₀₀₆ -P _sy nH-sucD * P _rps u-orfZ [00113] Strains were grown and polymer content was analyzed in the same manner as described in Example 1. Representative results for each strain tested are shown in Table 5 and demonstrate that the %4 HB content for each copolymer composition was between 40% and 50%>.

[00114] Table 5. PHB-co-4HB polymer production from microbial strains.

[00115] EXAMPLE 3: Production of PHB-co-4HB with 4HB co-monomer content between 30% and 40% from glucose as sole carbon source

[00116] This example shows PHB-co-4HB production with 4HB co-monomer content between 30 and 40% from glucose as sole carbon source in engineered E. coli host cells. The strains used in this example are listed in Table 6. All these strains were constructed using the well-known biotechnology tools and methods described above. They all contained chromosomal deletions of ynel and gabD.

[00117] Table 6. Strains used in Example 3.

[00118] Strains were grown and polymer content was analyzed in the same manner as described in Example 1. Representative results for each strain tested are shown in Table 7 and demonstrate that the %4HB content for each copolymer composition was between 30% and 40%.

[00119] Table 7. PHB-co-4HB polymer production from microbial strains.

Strains Biomass Titer PHA Titer PHA Composition (%

(g/L) (g/L) 4HB) 26 7.7 ±0.0 5.3 ±0.1 39.3 ±0.3

4 6.5 ±0.1 4.3 ±0.1 39.2 ± 1.6

5 5.9 ±0.1 4.0 ±0.2 35.9 ±0.9

6 5.7 ±0.2 2.8 ±0.0 34.6 ±2.1

7 6.1 ±0.3 3.8 ±0.1 32.2 ±0.9

27 6.7 ±0.2 4.0 ±0.1 31.7 ± 1.3

[00120] EXAMPLE 4: Production of PHB-co-4HB with 4HB co-monomer content between 20% and 30% from glucose as sole carbon source

[00121] This example shows PHB-co-4HB production with 4HB co-monomer content between 20 and 30% from glucose as sole carbon source in engineered E. coli host cells. The strains used in this example are listed in Table 8. All these strains were constructed using the well-known biotechnology tools and methods described above. They all contained chromosomal deletions of ynel and gabD.

[00122] Table 8. Strains used in Example 4.

[00123] Strains were grown and polymer content was analyzed in the same manner described in example 1. Representative results for each strain tested are shown in Table 9 and demonstrate that the %>4HB content for each copolymer composition was between 20%> and 30%>.

[00124] Table 9. PHB-co-4HB polymer production from microbial strains.

Strains Biomass Titer PHA Titer PHA Composition

(g/L) (g/L) (% 4HB)

8 4.5 ±0.1 2.2 ±0.2 28.6 ±2.6

28 5.6 ±0.1 4.4 ±0.1 27.5 ±0.4

10 6.5 ± 0.0 4.3 ±0.0 27.5 ±0.3

25 6.4 ±0.0 5.2 ±0.1 26.3 ±0.1

9 6.2 ±0.0 3.9 ±0.0 25.8 ±0.3

11 5.4 ±0.2 2.4 ±0.2 24.7 ±2.0

29 5.7 ±0.2 3.0 ±0.1 22.5 ±0.8 [00125] EXAMPLE 5: Production of PHB-co-4HB with 4HB co-monomer content between 1% and 20% from glucose as sole carbon source

[00126] This example shows PHB-co-4HB production with 4HB co-monomer content between 1 and 20% from glucose as sole carbon source in engineered E. coli host cells. The strains used in this example are listed in Table 10. All these strains were constructed using the well-known biotechnology tools and methods described above. They all contained chromosomal deletions of ynel and gabD.

[00127] Table 10. Strains used in Example 5.

[00128] Strains were grown and polymer content was analyzed in the same manner described in example 1. Representative results for each strain tested are shown in Table 1 1 and demonstrate that the %4HB content for each copolymer composition was between 1% and 20%.

[00129] Table 11. PHB-co-4HB polymer production from microbial strains.

[00130] Example 6: Extraction of PHB-co-4HB copolymers and determination of molecular weights and polydispersity

[00131] For purification of larger amounts of PHB-co-4HB copolymers, strains 1 , 5 and 12 with various PHA compositions as shown in Example 1 were first grown in 20 mL LB medium in 250 mL shake flasks at 37° C overnight. The entire volume was then transferred into 1 L baffled shake flasks containing 500 mL of a production medium comprised of lx E2 minimal salts, lx E0 minimal salts, 5 mM MgS04, 30 g/L glucose, and lx Trace Salts Solution. E2 and E0 minimal salts and Trace Salts Solution are described in Example 1. The 500 mL cultures were incubated at 37°C with shaking for 6 hours and then shifted to 28° C for 70 hours with shaking. Thereafter, cultures were spun down at 6000 x g, washed once with distilled water, frozen at -80°C for at least 30 minutes, and lyophilized overnight.

[00132] The copolymer of strains 1, 5 and 12 were purified from dried biomass by first extracting with cyclo-hexanone at 65-70° C for 30 min before spinning down at 2000 x g for 5 min. Afterwards, the supernatant was decanted and mixed with an equal volume of heptane at 5-10° C. The resulting precipitated polymer was filtered and dried overnight at room temperature.

[00133] The molecular weights of the purified copolymers were determined using gel permeation chromatography (GPC) using a Waters Alliance HPLC System. Table 12 shows the weight average molecular weights (Mw), the number average molecular weights (Mn), and the polydispersity index (PD) measured from the copolymers purified from strains 1, 5 and 12.

[00134] Table 12. Molecular weights and polydispersity of copolymers produced by strains 1, 5 and 12.

[00135] Example 7: Determination of PHA composition and glass transition temperature of PHB-co-4HB copolymers

[00136] The copolymers purified from strains 1, 5 and 12 as described in Example 6 were used to determine the PHA composition as outlined in Example 1. The glass transition temperature (T _g ) was measured using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. Table 13 lists the 4HB content and the T _g measured from the copolymers purified from strains 1, 5 and 12. The glass transition temperature decreased with higher 4HB content in the copolymer.

[00137] Table 13. PHB-co-4HB polymer production and T _g measured from the copolymers purified from strains 1, 5 and 12.

[00138] Example 8: Determination of biobased content of a PHB-co-4HB copolymer [00139] The copolymer purified from strain 1 as described in Example 6 was used to determine the biobased content by radiocarbon dating based on ASTM D6866 by Beta Analytic (Miami, Florida, USA). The purified copolymer from strain 1 was determined to contain a biobased content of 97%.

[00140] Example 9: Production of PHB-co-4HB from glycerol as the sole carbon source

[00141] Strains 1 and 6 were grown and polymer content analyzed in the same manner as described in Example 1 with the exception that the carbohydrate fed was 30 g/L glycerol instead of 20 g/L glucose. A representative result for both strains is shown in Table 14.

[00142] Table 14. PHB-co-4HB polymer production from glycerol as the sole carbon source.

[00143] Gene ID 001 Nucleotide Sequence: Clostridium kluyveri succinate semialdehyde dehydrogenase gene sucD*

[00144] ATGTCCAACGAGGTTAGCATTAAGGAGCTGATTGAGAAGGCGAAAGTGGCGC AGAAAAAGCTGGAAGCGTATAGCCAAGAGCAAGTTGACGTTCTGGTCAAGGCGCTGGGTA AAGTTGTG TACGACAACGCCGAGATGTTCGCGAAAGAGGCGGTGGAGGAAACCGAGATGGGTGTTTAC GAGGATAA AGTGGCTAAATGTCATCTGAAATCTGGTGCAATCTGGAATCACATTAAAGATAAGAAAAC CGTTGGTA TTATCAAGGAAGAACCGGAGCGTGCGCTGGTGTACGTCGCGAAGCCTAAAGGTGTTGTGG CGGCGACG ACCCCTATCACCAATCCTGTGGTTACCCCGATGTGTAACGCGATGGCAGCAATTAAAGGT CGCAACAC CATCATTGTCGCCCCGCATCCGAAGGCGAAGAAGGTGAGCGCGCACACCGTGGAGCTGAT GAATGCAG AACTGAAAAAGTTGGGTGCGCCGGAAAACATTATCCAGATCGTTGAAGCCCCAAGCCGTG AAGCAGCC AAGGAGTTGATGGAGAGCGCAGACGTGGTTATCGCCACGGGTGGCGCAGGCCGTGTTAAA GCAGCGTA CTCCTCCGGCCGTCCGGCATACGGTGTCGGTCCGGGCAATTCTCAGGTCATTGTCGATAA GGGTTACG ATTATAACAAAGCTGCCCAGGACATCATTACCGGCCGCAAGTATGACAACGGTATCATTT GCAGCTCT GAGCAGAGCGTGATCGCACCGGCGGAGGACTACGACAAGGTCATCGCGGCTTTCGTCGAG AATGGCGC GTTCTATGTCGAGGATGAGGAAACTGTGGAGAAATTCCGTAGCACGCTGTTCAAGGATGG CAAGATCA ATAGCAAAATCATCGGTAAATCCGTGCAGATCATCGCTGACCTGGCTGGTGTCAAGGTGC CGGAAGGC ACCAAGGTGATCGTGTTGAAGGGCAAGGGTGCCGGTGAAAAGGACGTTCTGTGCAAGGAG AAAATGTG CCCGGTCCTGGTTGCCCTGAAATATGACACCTTTGAGGAGGCGGTCGAGATCGCGATGGC CAACTATA TGTACGAGGGTGCGGGCCATACCGCCGGTATCCACAGCGATAACGACGAGAATATCCGCT ACGCGGGT ACGGTGCTGCCAATCAGCCGTCTGGTTGTCAACCAGCCAGCAACTACGGCCGGTGGTAGC TTTAACAA TGGTTTTAATCCGACCACCACCTTGGGCTGCGGTAGCTGGGGCCGTAACTCCATTAGCGA GAACCTGA CGTATGAGCATCTGATTAATGTCAGCCGTATTGGCTATTTCAATAAGGAGGCAAAAGTTC CTAGCTAC GAGGAGATCTGGGGTTAA ( SEQ ID NO: 16 )

[00145] Gene ID 001 Amino Acid Sequence: Clostridium kluyveri succinate semialdehyde dehydrogenase gene SucD*

[00146] MSNEVSIKELIEKAKVAQKKLEAYSQEQVDVLVKALGKVVYDNAEMFAKEAV

EETEMGVYEDKVAKCHLKSGAIWNHIKDKKTVGI IKEEPERALVYVAKPKGWAATTPITNPVVTPMC NAMAAIKGRNTI IVAPHPKAKKVSAHTVELMNAELKKLGAPENI IQIVEAPSREAAKELMESADVVIA TGGAGRVKAAYSSGRPAYGVGPGNSQVIVDKGYDYNKAAQDI ITGRKYDNGI ICSSEQSVIAPAEDYD KVIAAFVENGAFYVEDEETVEKFRSTLFKDGKI SKI IGKSVQI IADLAGVKVPEGTKVIVLKGKGAG EKDVLCKEKMCPVLVALKYDTFEEAVEIAMANYMYEGAGHTAGIHSDNDENIRYAGTVLP I SRLVVNQ PATTAGGSFNNGFNPTTTLGCGSWGRNSI SENLTYEHLI VSRIGYFNKEAKVPSYEEIWG ( SEQ ID NO: 17 )

[00147] Gene ID 002 Nucleotide Sequence: Arabidopsis thaliana succinic semialdehyde reductase gene ssaR _At *

[00148] ATGGAAGTAGGTTTTCTGGGTCTGGGCATTATGGGTAAAGCTATGTCCATGA ACCTGCTGAAAAACGGTTTCAAAGTTACCGTGTGGAACCGCACTCTGTCTAAATGTGATG AACTGGTT GAACACGGTGCAAGCGTGTGCGAGTCTCCGGCTGAGGTGATCAAGAAATGCAAATACACG ATCGCGAT GCTGAGCGATCCGTGTGCAGCTCTGTCTGTTGTTTTCGATAAAGGCGGTGTTCTGGAACA GATCTGCG AGGGTAAGGGCTACATCGACATGTCTACCGTCGACGCGGAAACTAGCCTGAAAATTAACG AAGCGATC ACGGGCAAAGGTGGCCGTTTTGTAGAAGGTCCTGTTAGCGGTTCCAAAAAGCCGGCAGAA GACGGCCA GCTGATCATCCTGGCAGCAGGCGACAAAGCACTGTTCGAGGAATCCATCCCGGCCTTTGA TGTACTGG GCAAACGTTCCTTTTATCTGGGTCAGGTGGGTAACGGTGCGAAAATGAAACTGATTGTTA ACATGATC ATGGGTTCTATGATGAACGCGTTTAGCGAAGGTCTGGTACTGGCAGATAAAAGCGGTCTG TCTAGCGA CACGCTGCTGGATATTCTGGATCTGGGTGCTATGACGAATCCGATGTTCAAAGGCAAAGG TCCGTCCA TGACTAAATCCAGCTACCCACCGGCTTTCCCGCTGAAACACCAGCAGAAAGACATGCGTC TGGCTCTG GCTCTGGGCGACGAAAACGCTGTTAGCATGCCGGTCGCTGCGGCTGCGAACGAAGCCTTC AAGAAAGC CCGTAGCCTGGGCCTGGGCGATCTGGACTTTTCTGCTGTTATCGAAGCGGTAAAATTCTC TCGTGAAT AA ( SEQ ID NO: 18 )

[00149] Gene ID 002 Amino Acid Sequence: Arabidopsis thaliana succinic semialdehyde reductase gene SsaR _At *

[00150] MEVGFLGLGIMGKAMSMNLLKNGFKVTVWNRTLSKCDELVEHGASVCESPAE VIKKCKYTIAMLSDPCAALSVVFDKGGVLEQICEGKGYI DMSTVDAETSLKINEAITGKGGRFVEGPV SGSKKPAEDGQLI ILAAGDKALFEESI PAFDVLGKRSFYLGQVGNGAKMKLIVNMIMGSMMNAFSEGL VLADKSGLSSDTLLDILDLGAMTNPMFKGKGPSMTKSSYPPAFPLKHQQKDMRLALALGD ENAVSMPV AAAANEAFKKARSLGLGDLDFSAVIEAVKFSRE ( SEQ ID NO: 19 ) [00151] Gene ID 003 Nucleotide Sequence: Escherichia coli K-12 substr. MG1655 L-

1 ,2-propanediol oxidoreductase fucOi6 _L -L7v

[00152] ATGATGGCTAACAGAATGCTGGTGAACGAAACGGCATGGTTTGGTCGGGGTG CTGTTGGGGCTTTAACCGATGAGGTGAAACGCCGTGGTTATCAGAAGGCGCTGATCGTCA CCGATAAA ACGCTGGTGCAATGCGGCGTGGTGGCGAAAGTGACCGATAAGATGGATGCTGCAGGGCTG GCATGGGC GATTTACGACGGCGTAGTGCCCAACCCAACAATTACTGTCGTCAAAGAAGGGCTCGGTGT ATTCCAGA ATAGCGGCGCGGATTACCTGATCGCTATTGGTGGTGGTTCTCCACAGGATACTTGTAAAG CGATTGGC ATTATCAGCAACAACCCGGAGTTTGCCGATGTGCGTAGCCTGGAAGGGCTTTCCCCGACC AATAAACC CAGTGTACCGATTCTGGCAATTCCTACCACAGCAGGTACTGCGGCAGAAGTGACCATTAA CTACGTGA TCACTGACGAAGAGAAACGGCGCAAGTTTGTTTGCGTTGATCCGCATGATATCCCGCAGG TGGCGTTT ATTGACGCTGACATGATGGATGGTATGCCTCCAGCGCTGAAAGCTGCGACGGGTGTCGAT GCGCTCAC TCATGCTATTGAGGGGTATATTACCCGTGGCGCGTGGGCGCTAACCGATGCACTGCACAT TAAAGCGA TTGAAATCATTGCTGGGGCGCTGCGAGGATCGGTTGCTGGTGATAAGGATGCCGGAGAAG AAATGGCG CTCGGGCAGTATGTTGCGGGTATGGGCTTCTCGAATGTTGGGTTAGGGTTGGTGCATGGT ATGGCGCA TCCACTGGGCGCGTTTTATAACACTCCACACGGTGTTGCGAACGCCATCCTGTTACCGCA TGTCATGC GTTATAACGCTGACTTTACCGGTGAGAAGTACCGCGATATCGCGCGCGTTATGGGCGTGA AAGTGGAA GGTATGAGCCTGGAAGAGGCGCGTAATGCCGCTGTTGAAGCGGTGTTTGCTCTCAACCGT GATGTCGG TATTCCGCCACATTTGCGTGATGTTGGTGTACGCAAGGAAGACATTCCGGCACTGGCGCA GGCGGCAC TGGATGATGTTTGTACCGGTGGCAACCCGCGTGAAGCAACGCTTGAGGATATTGTAGAGC TTTACCAT ACCGCCTGGTAA ( SEQ ID NO: 20 )

[00153] Gene ID 003 Amino Acid Sequence: Escherichia coli K-12 substr. MG1655

L-l ,2-propanediol oxidoreductase FUCOKL-LW

[00154] MANRMLVNETAWFGRGAVGALTDEVKRRGYQKALIVTDKTLVQCGWAKVTD KMDAAGLAWAIYDGVVPNPTITVVKEGLGVFQNSGADYLIAIGGGSPQDTCKAIGI I SNNPEFADVRS LEGLSPTNKPSVPILAI PTTAGTAAEVTI YVITDEEKRRKFVCVDPHDIPQVAFIDADMMDGMPPAL KAATGVDALTHAIEGYITRGAWALTDALHIKAIEI IAGALRGSVAGDKDAGEEMALGQYVAGMGFSNV GLGLVHGMAHPLGAFYNTPHGVANAILLPHVMRYNADFTGEKYRDIARVMGVKVEGMSLE EARNAAVE AVFALNRDVGI PPHLRDVGVRKEDI PALAQAALDDVCTGGNPREATLEDIVELYHTAW ( SEQ ID NO: 21 )

[00155] Gene ID 004 Nucleotide Sequence: Pseudomonas putida/Zoogloea ramigera polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase fusion gene phaC3/C5

[00156] ATGAGTAACAAGAACAACGATGAGCTGCAGTGGCAATCCTGGTTCAGCAAGG CGCCCACCACCGAGGCGAACCCGATGGCCACCATGTTGCAGGATATCGGCGTTGCGCTCA AACCGGAA GCGATGGAGCAGCTGAAAAACGATTATCTGCGTGACTTCACCGCGTTGTGGCAGGATTTT TTGGCTGG CAAGGCGCCAGCCGTCAGCGACCGCCGCTTCAGCTCGGCAGCCTGGCAGGGCAATCCGAT GTCGGCCT TCAATGCCGCATCTTACCTGCTCAACGCCAAATTCCTCAGTGCCATGGTGGAGGCGGTGG ACACCGCA CCCCAGCAAAAGCAGAAAATACGCTTTGCCGTGCAGCAGGTGATTGATGCCATGTCGCCC GCGAACTT CCTCGCCACCAACCCGGAAGCGCAGCAAAAACTGATTGAAACCAAGGGCGAGAGCCTGAC GCGTGGCC TGGTCAATATGCTGGGCGATATCAACAAGGGCCATATCTCGCTGTCGGACGAATCGGCCT TTGAAGTG GGCCGCAACCTGGCCATTACCCCGGGCACCGTGATTTACGAAAATCCGCTGTTCCAGCTG ATCCAGTA CACGCCGACCACGCCGACGGTCAGCCAGCGCCCGCTGTTGATGGTGCCGCCGTGCATCAA CAAGTTCT ACATCCTCGACCTGCAACCGGAAAATTCGCTGGTGCGCTACGCGGTGGAGCAGGGCAACA CCGTGTTC CTGATCTCGTGGAGCAATCCGGACAAGTCGCTGGCCGGCACCACCTGGGACGACTACGTG GAGCAGGG CGTGATCGAAGCGATCCGCATCGTCCAGGACGTCAGCGGCCAGGACAAGCTGAACATGTT CGGCTTCT GCGTGGGCGGCACCATCGTTGCCACCGCACTGGCGGTACTGGCGGCGCGTGGCCAGCACC CGGCGGCC AGCCTGACCCTGCTGACCACCTTCCTCGACTTCAGCGACACCGGCGTGCTCGACGTCTTC GTCGATGA AACCCAGGTCGCGCTGCGTGAACAGCAATTGCGCGATGGCGGCCTGATGCCGGGCCGTGA CCTGGCCT CGACCTTCTCGAGCCTGCGTCCGAACGACCTGGTATGGAACTATGTGCAGTCGAACTACC TCAAAGGC AATGAGCCGGCGGCGTTTGACCTGCTGTTCTGGAATTCGGACAGCACCAATTTGCCGGGC CCGATGTT CTGCTGGTACCTGCGCAACACCTACCTGGAAAACAGCCTGAAAGTGCCGGGCAAGCTGAC GGTGGCCG GCGAAAAGATCGACCTCGGCCTGATCGACGCCCCGGCCTTCATCTACGGTTCGCGCGAAG ACCACATC GTGCCGTGGATGTCGGCGTACGGTTCGCTCGACATCCTCAACCAGGGCAAGCCGGGCGCC AACCGCTT CGTGCTGGGCGCGTCCGGCCATATCGCCGGCGTGATCAACTCGGTGGCCAAGAACAAGCG CAGCTACT GGATCAACGACGGTGGCGCCGCCGATGCCCAGGCCTGGTTCGATGGCGCGCAGGAAGTGC CGGGCAGC TGGTGGCCGCAATGGGCCGGGTTCCTGACCCAGCATGGCGGCAAGAAGGTCAAGCCCAAG GCCAAGCC CGGCAACGCCCGCTACACCGCGATCGAGGCGGCGCCCGGCCGTTACGTCAAAGCCAAGGG CTGA

( SEQ ID NO: 22 )

[00157] Gene ID 004 Amino Acid Sequence: Pseudomonas putida/Zoogloea ramigera polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase fusion gene PhaC3/C5

[00158] MSNKNNDELQWQSWFSKAPTTEANPMATMLQDIGVALKPEAMEQLKNDYLRD FTALWQDFLAGKAPAVSDRRFSSAAWQGNPMSAFNAASYLLNAKFLSAMVEAVDTAPQQK QKIRFAVQ QVIDAMSPANFLATNPEAQQKLIETKGESLTRGLVNMLGDINKGHISLSDESAFEVGRNL AITPGTVI YENPLFQLIQYTPTTPTVSQRPLLMVPPCINKFYILDLQPENSLVRYAVEQGNTVFLISW SNPDKSLA GTTWDDYVEQGVIEAIRIVQDVSGQDKLNMFGFCVGGTIVATALAVLAARGQHPAASLTL LTTFLDFS DTGVLDVFVDETQVALREQQLRDGGLMPGRDLASTFSSLRPNDLVWNYVQSNYLKGNEPA AFDLLFWN SDSTNLPGPMFCWYLRNTYLENSLKVPGKLTVAGEKI DLGLIDAPAFIYGSREDHIVPWMSAYGSLDI LNQGKPGANRFVLGASGHIAGVINSVAKNKRSYWINDGGAADAQAWFDGAQEVPGSWWPQ WAGFLTQH GGKKVKPKAKPGNARYTAIEAAPGRYVKAKG ( SEQ ID NO: 23 )

[00159] Gene ID 005 Nucleotide Sequence: Pseudomonas putida/Ralstonia eutropha

JMP134 polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase fusion gene phaC3/Cl *

[00160] ATGACTAGAAGGAGGTTTCATATGAGTAACAAGAACAACGATGAGCTGGCGA CGGGTAAAGGTGCTGCTGCATCTTCTACTGAAGGTAAATCTCAGCCGTTTAAATTCCCAC CGGGTCCG CTGGACCCGGCCACTTGGCTGGAATGGAGCCGTCAGTGGCAAGGTCCGGAGGGCAATGGC GGTACCGT GCCGGGTGGCTTTCCGGGTTTCGAAGCGTTCGCGGCGTCCCCGCTGGCGGGCGTGAAAAT CGACCCGG CTCAGCTGGCAGAGATCCAGCAGCGTTATATGCGTGATTTCACCGAGCTGTGGCGTGGTC TGGCAGGC GGTGACACCGAGAGCGCTGGCAAACTGCATGACCGTCGCTTCGCGTCCGAAGCGTGGCAC AAAAACGC GCCGTATCGCTATACTGCGGCATTTTACCTGCTGAACGCACGTGCACTGACGGAACTGGC TGATGCAG TAGAAGCGGATCCGAAAACCCGTCAGCGTATCCGTTTTGCGGTTTCCCAGTGGGTAGATG CTATGAGC CCGGCTAACTTCCTGGCCACCAACCCGGACGCTCAGAACCGTCTGATCGAGAGCCGTGGT GAAAGCCT GCGTGCCGGCATGCGCAATATGCTGGAAGATCTGACCCGCGGTAAAATTTCCCAAACCGA TGAGACTG CCTTCGAAGTAGGCCGTAACATGGCAGTTACCGAAGGTGCTGTGGTATTCGAAAACGAGT TCTTCCAG CTGCTGCAGTACAAACCTCTGACTGACAAAGTATACACCCGTCCGCTGCTGCTGGTACCG CCGTGCAT TAACAAGTTCTATATTCTGGACCTGCAGCCGGAAGGTTCTCTGGTCCGTTACGCAGTCGA ACAGGGTC ACACTGTATTCCTGGTGAGCTGGCGCAATCCAGACGCTAGCATGGCTGGCTGTACCTGGG ATGACTAT ATTGAAAACGCGGCTATCCGCGCCATCGAGGTTGTGCGTGATATCAGCGGTCAGGACAAG ATCAACAC CCTGGGCTTTTGTGTTGGTGGCACGATCATCTCCACTGCCCTGGCGGTCCTGGCCGCCCG TGGTGAGC ACCCGGTGGCCTCTCTGACCCTGCTGACTACCCTGCTGGACTTCACCGATACTGGTATCC TGGATGTT TTCGTGGACGAGCCACACGTTCAGCTGCGTGAGGCGACTCTGGGCGGCGCCAGCGGCGGT CTGCTGCG TGGTGTCGAGCTGGCCAATACCTTTTCCTTCCTGCGCCCGAACGACCTGGTTTGGAACTA CGTTGTTG ACAACTATCTGAAAGGCAACACCCCGGTACCTTTCGATCTGCTGTTCTGGAACGGTGATG CAACCAAC CTGCCTGGTCCATGGTACTGTTGGTACCTGCGTCATACTTACCTGCAGAACGAACTGAAA GAGCCGGG CAAACTGACCGTGTGTAACGAACCTGTGGACCTGGGCGCGATTAACGTTCCTACTTACAT CTACGGTT CCCGTGAAGATCACATCGTACCGTGGACCGCGGCTTACGCCAGCACCGCGCTGCTGAAGA ACGATCTG CGTTTCGTACTGGGCGCATCCGGCCATATCGCAGGTGTGATCAACCCTCCTGCAAAGAAA AAGCGTTC TCATTGGACCAACGACGCGCTGCCAGAATCCGCGCAGGATTGGCTGGCAGGTGCTGAGGA ACACCATG GTTCCTGGTGGCCGGATTGGATGACCTGGCTGGGTAAACAAGCCGGTGCAAAACGTGCAG CTCCAACT GAATATGGTAGCAAGCGTTATGCTGCAATCGAGCCAGCGCCAGGCCGTTACGTTAAAGCG AAAGCATA

A ( SEQ ID NO: 24 )

[00161] Gene ID 005 Amino Acid Sequence: Pseudomonas putida/Ralstonia eutropha polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase fusion gene PhaC3/Cl*

[00162] MSNKNNDELATGKGAAASSTEGKSQPFKFPPGPLDPATWLEWSRQWQGPEGN GGTVPGGFPGFEAFAASPLAGVKIDPAQLAEIQQRYMRDFTELWRGLAGGDTESAGKLHD RRFASEAW HKNAPYRYTAAFYLLNARALTELADAVEADPKTRQRIRFAVSQWVDAMSPANFLATNPDA QNRLIESR GESLRAGMRNMLEDLTRGKISQTDETAFEVGRNMAVTEGAVVFENEFFQLLQYKPLTDKV YTRPLLLV PPCINKFYILDLQPEGSLVRYAVEQGHTVFLVSWRNPDASMAGCTWDDYIENAAIRAIEW RDISGQD KINTLGFCVGGTI ISTALAVLAARGEHPVASLTLLTTLLDFTDTGILDVFVDEPHVQLREATLGGASG GLLRGVELANTFSFLRPNDLVWNYVVDNYLKGNTPVPFDLLFWNGDATNLPGPWYCWYLR HTYLQNEL KEPGKLTVCNEPVDLGAINVPTYIYGSREDHIVPWTAAYASTALLKNDLRFVLGASGHIA GVI PPAK KKRSHWTNDALPESAQDWLAGAEEHHGSWWPDWMTWLGKQAGAKRAAPTEYGSKRYAAIE PAPGRYVK AKA ( SEQ ID NO: 25 ) [00163] Gene ID 006 Nucleotide Sequence: Pseudomonas putida/Delftia acidovorans

89-11-102 polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase fusion gene phaC3/C33

[00164] ATGAGTAACAAGAACAACGATGAGCTGGCGAATTTCGACCCGCTGGCTGGCC TGTCTGGTCAATCGGTGCAACAGTTCTGGAATGAGCAGTGGAGCCGTACCCTGCAGACCT TGCAGCAG ATGGGTCAACCGGGCCTGCCGGGCATTCAAGGTATGCCGGGTATGCCAGACATGGCACAA GCGTGGAA AGCCGCTGTGCCGGAACCGGGTGCACTGCCTGAGAATGCGCTGTCTCTGGATCCGGAGAA GCTGCTGG AACTGCAGCGTCAATATCTGGACGGTGCAAAAGCGATGGCAGAGCAGGGCGGTGCGCAAG CATTGCTG GCAAAAGATAAACGTTTCAATACCGAATCGTGGGCAGGTAATCCGCTGACGGCTGCGACC GCGGCAAC CTACCTGCTGAACTCCCGTATGCTGATGGGTCTGGCGGACGCTGTTCAGGCGGACGATAA GACCCGTA ACCGTGTGCGTTTTGCGATTGAGCAGTGGCTGGCAGCGATGGCGCCGAGCAACTTCCTGG CGCTGAAT GCTGAGGCCCAAAAGAAGGCGATCGAGACTCAGGGCGAGAGCCTGGCCCAAGGCGTGGCG AACCTGCT GGCGGATATGCGTCAGGGTCATGTCTCCATGACCGACGAAAGCCTGTTTACGGTGGGCAA GAACGTGG CAACGACCGAAGGTGCGGTTGTTTTCGAGAATGAGCTGTTCCAGTTGATTGAGTATAAGC CGTTGACG GATAAGGTGCATGAGCGCCCGTTCCTGATGGTGCCGCCGTGCATCAACAAATTCTATATC CTGGATCT GCAACCGGACAACAGCCTGATCCGTTATGCCGTTAGCCAGGGCCATCGCACGTTCGTCAT GTCCTGGC GCAATCCAGACGAATCTCTGGCCCGTAAAACGTGGGATAACTACATCGAAGATGGCGTTC TGACGGGT ATTCGCGTCGCGCGTGAGATTGCTGGTGCGGAGCAGATCAACGTTCTGGGTTTTTGTGTG GGCGGCAC TATGTTGAGCACCGCGTTGGCGGTTCTGCAAGCCCGCCACGACCGCGAGCACGGCGCAGT CGCAGCAC CAGCCGCTAAAGCGCCAGCGGCGAAACGTGCGGCAGGTAGCCGCAGCGCGGCTCGTACGT CCACTGCG CGTGCCACCGCCCCTGCAGGTGTTCCGTTCCCGGTTGCGAGCGTCACCTTGCTGACCACC TTTATCGA TTTCTCCGACACCGGCATCCTGGACGTGTTCATTGATGAATCTGTCGTCCGTTTTCGCGA GATGCAAA TGGGTGAAGGTGGTTTGATGAAGGGCCAAGACCTGGCGAGCACCTTTAGCTTTCTGCGCC CGAATGAC TTGGTTTGGAATTACGTCGTGGGCAACTACCTGAAAGGTGAAACCCCTCCGCCGTTTGAC CTGCTGTA TTGGAACAGCGATAGCACCAACCTGCCGGGTCCGTACTACGCGTGGTACCTGCGTAATCT GTACCTGG AAAATCGCCTGGCACAGCCGGGTGCGTTGACTGTTTGCGGTGAACGTATCGACATGCACC AGCTGCGT CTGCCGGCGTACATCTATGGCAGCCGCGAAGATCACATTGTTCCGGTTGGTGGTAGCTAT GCCAGCAC CCAAGTGCTGGGTGGTGATAAGCGCTTTGTGATGGGTGCGTCCGGTCACATTGCAGGCGT CATCAACC CGCCTGCAAAGAAGAAACGTAGCTACTGGCTGCGTGAAGATGGCCAGCTGCCGGCCACGC TGAAAGAG TGGCAGGCCGGTGCCGACGAGTATCCTGGTAGCTGGTGGGCGGATTGGAGCCCGTGGCTG GCCGAGCA CGGTGGCAAACTGGTGGCAGCGCCGAAGCAATACGGCAAAGGCCGTGAGTACACGGCGAT TGAACCGG CTCCAGGCCGCTACGTTTTGGTCAAGGCGTAA ( SEQ ID NO: 26 )

[00165] Gene ID 006 Amino Acid Sequence: Pseudomonas putida/Delftia acidovorans 89-11-102 polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase fusion gene PhaC3/C33

[00166] MSNKNNDELANFDPLAGLSGQSVQQFWNEQWSRTLQTLQQMGQPGLPGIQGM PGMPDMAQAWKAAVPEPGALPENALSLDPEKLLELQRQYLDGAKAMAEQGGAQALLAKDK RFNTESWA GNPLTAATAATYLLNSRMLMGLADAVQADDKTRNRVRFAIEQWLAAMAPSNFLALNAEAQ KKAIETQG ESLAQGVANLLADMRQGHVSMTDESLFTVGKNVATTEGAWFENELFQLIEYKPLTDKVHE RPFLMVP PCINKFY I LDLQPDNSL IRYAVSQGHRTFVMSWRNPDESLARKTWDNYI EDGVLTGI RVARE IAGAEQ INVLGFCVGGTMLSTALAVLQARHDREHGAVAAPAAKAPAAKRAAGSRSAART STARATAPAGVPFPV ASVTLLTTFI DFS DTGI LDVFI DESWRFREMQMGEGGLMKGQDLASTFSFLRPNDLVWNYWGNYLK GET PPPFDLLYWNSDSTNLPGPYYAWYLRNLYLENRLAQPGALTVCGERI DMHQLRLPAYI YGSREDH IVPVGGSYASTQVLGGDKRFVMGASGH IAGVINPPAKKKRSYWLREDGQLPATLKEWQAGADEYPGSW WADWS PWLAEHGGKLVAAPKQYGKGREYTAI EPAPGRYVLVKA ( SEQ ID NO: 27)

[00167] Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein. Such equivalents are intended to encompassed in the claims that follow.

[00168] REFERENCE TO A "SEQUENCE LISTING," A TABLE, OR A

COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED AS AN ASCII TEXT FILE

[00169] The material in the ASCII text file, named

"MBLX_50416WO_SequenceListing_ST25.txt", created September 28, 2013, file size of 41,042 bytes, is hereby incorporated by reference.