Unlike polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) copolymers, the controlled and efficient synthesis of PHA
terpolymers from triglycerides and fatty acids are yet to be established. This study demonstrates the
production of P(3HB-co-3HV-co-3HHx) terpolymer with a wide range of 3HV monomer compositions
from mixtures of crude palm kernel oil and 3HV precursors using a mutant Cupriavidus necator PHB4
transformant harboring the PHA synthase gene (phaC) of a locally isolated Chromobacterium sp. USM2.
The PHA synthase of Chromobacterium has an unusually high affinity towards 3HV monomer. P(3HB-co-
3HV-co-3HHx) terpolymers with 3HV monomer composition ranging from 2 to 91 mol% were produced.
Generation of 3HHx monomers was affected by the concentration and feeding time of 3HV precursor.
P(3HB-co-24 mol% 3HV-co-7 mol% 3HHx) exhibited mechanical properties similar to that of common
low-density polyethylene. P(3HB-co-3HV-co-3HHx) terpolymers with a wide range of 3HV molar fraction
had been successfully synthesized by adding lower concentrations of 3HV precursors and using a PHA
synthase with high affinity towards 3HV monomer