Biodegradation of gelatin graft copolymers. IV

Gelatin graft copolymers of different compositions were tested for microbial susceptibility in a synthetic medium with pure cultures of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, and Serratia marcescens. The percent weight losses were recorded over 6 weeks of incubation period in nitrogen-free and nitrogen-rich media. The relationship between [log(rate)] during the first week of the test period and composition of the grafted samples showed a linear behavior. There was no difference in the aggressivity of these bacterial strains. Nitrogen analysis data and pH measurements of the media seem to reinforce our earlier observations. Soil burial tests also indicate degradation of polymer samples under natural weathering conditions. This article also summarizes the salient features of our series of investigations.

Microbial susceptibility of condensation products of carboxy-terminated polybutadiene and glycerol

Keeping in view the prospects of biodegradable polymers, a polymer was synthesized by the condensation of carboxy-terminated polybutadiene (CTPB) of Mnsim-5000 with glycerol and tested for its microbial susceptibility. The results of end group estimations and viscosity measurements indicated a quantitative reaction between the two reactants under experimental conditions. The clear-zone method was employed in this investigation to test biodegradability. Two strains of Serratia and three strains of Staphylococcus did show a clear zone surrounding the colony. However, the microbial growth was found to diminish after 4 or 5 days.