Gerhart Braunegg

Title: Gerhart Braunegg: Innovator in Enzymatic Processes and Biopolymer Recovery

Introduction

Gerhart Braunegg is a notable inventor based in Graz, Austria. He has made significant contributions to the field of enzymatic processes and biopolymer recovery, holding a total of four patents. His work focuses on innovative methods that enhance the efficiency and purity of biopolymers, particularly poly-.beta.-hydroxyalkanoic acid (PHA).

Latest Patents

One of Braunegg's latest patents is a process for the selective enzymatic hydroxylation of aldehydes and ketones. This process utilizes chiral anchor-protective groups to achieve selective hydroxylation. Another significant patent involves the separation of poly-.beta.-hydroxyalkanoic acid from microbial biomass. This invention proposes a method for hypochlorite digestion of bacterial biomass, optimizing conditions to minimize degradation and recover PHA with high purity. The process can yield PHA of up to 95% purity with an average molecular weight of 600,000, and with additional pretreatment, purity can reach 99%.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Braunegg has worked with various organizations, including Petrochemie Danubia Ges.m.b.h. and Ecole Polytechnique. His experience in these institutions has allowed him to develop and refine his innovative processes, contributing to advancements in biopolymer technology.

Collaborations

Braunegg has collaborated with notable professionals in his field, including Robert M. Lafferty and Bruce A. Ramsay. These collaborations have further enriched his research and development efforts.

Conclusion

Gerhart Braunegg's contributions to enzymatic processes and biopolymer recovery highlight his role as an influential inventor. His innovative patents and collaborations continue to impact the field positively.