Biodegradation of natural and synthetic rubbers: A review

Since polymeric materials do not decompose easily, disposal of waste polymers is a serious environmental concern. Widespread studies on the biodegradation of rubbers have been carried out in order to overcome the environmental problems associated with rubber waste. This report provides an overview on the microbial degradation of natural and synthetic rubbers. Rubber degrading microbes, bacteria and fungi, are ubiquitous in the environment especially soil. The qualitative data like plate assay, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and Sturm test indicated that both natural and synthetic rubbers can be degraded by microorganisms. It has confirmed that the enzymes latex clearing protein (Lcp) and rubber oxygenase A (RoxA) are responsible for the degradation of natural and synthetic rubbers. Lcp was obtained from Gram-positive bacterium Streptomyces sp. strain K30 and RoxA from Gram-negative bacterium Xanthomonas sp. strain 35Y. Analysis of degradation products of natural and synthetic rubbers indicated the oxidative cleavage of double bonds in polymer backbone. Aldehydes, ketones and other carbonyl groups were detected as degradation products from cultures of various rubber degrading strains. This review emphasizes the importance of biodegradation in environmental biotechnology for waste rubber disposal.     

In vivo blending of medium chain length polyhydroxy-alkanoates and polyhydroxybutyrate using recombinant Pseudomonas putida harboring phbCAB operon of Ralstonia eutropha

The in vivo blending of medium chain length polyhydroxyalkanoates (mcl-PHA) and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) was carried out using recombinant Pseudomonas putida after transforming the phbCAB operon of Ralstonia eutropha. The most suitable carbon sources for the production of mcl-PHA and PHB blends were identified to be octanoate and gluconate. The molar fractions of 3-hydroxyoctanoate and 3-hydroxybutyrate in the polymer blends were effectively modulated by controlling the mixing ratio of octanoate and gluconate, thereby producing a composition ranging from 95% mcl-PHA to 78% PHB.     

Synthesis of short-/medium-chain-length poly(hydroxyalkanoate) blends by mixed culture fermentation of glycerol

Glycerol was used as a substrate in the bio-production of poly(hydroxyalkanoates) (PHAs) in an effort to establish an alternative outlet for glycerol and produce value-added products. Pseudomonas oleovorans NRRL B-14682 and Pseudomonas corrugata 388 grew and synthesized poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) and medium-chain-length PHA (mcl-PHA) consisting primarily of 3-hydroxydecanoic acid (C(10:0); 44 +/- 2 mol %) and 3-hydroxydodecenoic acid (C(12:1); 31 +/- 2 mol %), respectively, from glycerol at concentrations up to 5% (v/v). Cellular productivity maximized at 40% for P. oleovorans in 5% (v/v) glycerol and 20% for P. corrugata in 2% (v/v) glycerol after 72 h. Increasing the glycerol media concentration from 1% to 5% (v/v) caused a 61% and 72% reduction in the molar mass (M(n)) of the P3HB and mcl-PHA polymers, respectively. Proton-NMR analysis of the glycerol-derived P3HB revealed that the M(n) decrease was the result of esterification of glycerol onto the polymer in a chain terminating position. However, no evidence of glycerol-based chain termination was present in the mcl-PHA. The growth patterns of P. oleovorans and P. corrugata on glycerol permitted their use as mixed cultures to produce natural blends of P3HB and mcl-PHA. By incorporating a staggered inoculation pattern and varying the duration of the fermentations, P3HB/mcl-PHA ratios were achieved that varied from 34:66 to 96:4.     

Comparative studies on crosslinked and uncrosslinked natural rubber biodegradation by Pseudomonas sp

A comparative study on biodegradation of di-cumyl peroxide (DCP) crosslinked and uncrosslinked natural rubber by Pseudomonas sp. was carried out. Decrease in organic carbon content along with the changes in tensile strength of the treated rubber, both DCP crosslinked and uncrosslinked natural rubber, indicated rubber hydrocarbon utilization by the Pseudomonas sp. A decrease in 60.88% MPa and 41.66% MPa was observed after five month's old treated uncrosslinked natural rubber and DCP crosslinked rubber, respectively. Biodegradation was more pronounced in natural uncrosslinked rubber, which was further confirmed by the formation of aldehydic compounds with decrease in CH2 stretching frequencies.     

Effect of pretreatment of rubber material on its biodegradability by various rubber degrading bacteria

The effect of pretreatment of several cis-1,4-polyisoprene containing rubbers on their biodegradability was examined. Tests were carried out with six recently isolated and characterized rubber degrading bacteria belonging to the genera Gordonia (strains Kb2, Kd2 and VH2), Mycobacterium, Micromonospora and Pseudomonas. All strains were able to use natural rubber (NR) as well as NR latex gloves as sole carbon source. Extraction of NR latex gloves by organic solvents resulted in an enhancement of growth for three of the selected strains. On the other hand, growth of Gordonia sp. (strain Kb2 and Kd2), Mycobacterium fortuitum NF4 and Micromonospora aurantiaca W2b on synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene did only occur after removal of the antioxidants, that are usually added during manufacture to prevent aging of the materials. Detailed degradation studies performed with Gordonia sp. Kb2 revealed an enhanced mineralization of pretreated NR latex gloves and mineralization of purified natural rubber (NR), indicating the actual mineralization of cis-1,4-polyisoprene rubber constituent even after removal of non-rubber constituent that may act as co-metabolic substrate and support microbial growth. Further analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) clearly demonstrated the enhanced colonization efficiency of these bacteria towards pretreated NR latex gloves. Colonization was additionally visualized by staining of overgrown NR latex gloves with Schiff's reagent, and the purple color produced in the area of degradation was an evidence for the accumulation of aldehydes containing oligomers. Further enhancement of latex gloves degradation could be achieved after successive replacement of mineral salts medium during cultivation. Thereby, a rapid disintegration of untreated NR latex gloves material was accomplished by Gordonia sp. strain VH2.     

Biosynthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoates co-polymer in E. coli using genes from Pseudomonas and Bacillus

Expression of Pseudomonas aeruginosa genes PHA synthase1 (phaC1) and (R)-specific enoyl CoA hydratase1 (phaJ1) under a lacZ promoter was able to support production of a copolymer of Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and medium chain length polyhydoxyalkanoates (mcl-PHA) in Escherichia coli. In order to improve the yield and quality of PHA, plasmid bearing the above genes was introduced into E. coli JC7623, harboring integrated beta-ketothiolase (phaA) and NADPH dependent-acetoacetyl CoA reductase (phaB) genes from a Bacillus sp. also driven by a lacZ promoter. The recombinant E. coli (JC7623ABC1J1) grown on various fatty acids along with glucose was found to produce 28-34% cellular dry weight of PHA. Gas chromatography and (1)H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance analysis of the polymer confirmed the ability of the strain to produce PHB-co-Hydroxy valerate (HV)-co-mcl-PHA copolymers. The ratio of short chain length (scl) to mcl-PHA varied from 78:22 to 18:82. Addition of acrylic acid, an inhibitor of beta-oxidation resulted in improved production (3-11% increase) of PHA copolymer. The combined use of enzymes from Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. for the production of scl-co-mcl PHA in E. coli is a novel approach and is being reported for the first time.     

Biodegradability studies of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) film produced by a marine bacteria using Jatropha biodiesel byproduct as a substrate

Polyhydroxyalkanoates are water-insoluble, hydrophobic polymers and can be degraded by microorganisms that produce extracellular PHA depolymerase. The present work was aimed to evaluate the degradability of Polyhydroxyalkanoate film produced by Halomonas hydrothermalis using Jatropha biodiesel byproduct as a substrate. PHB films were subjected to degradation in soil and compared with the synthetic polymer (acrylate) and blend prepared using the synthetic polymer (acrylate) and PHB. After 50 days, 60% of weight loss in PHB film and after 180 days 10% of blended film was degraded while no degradation was found in the synthetic film. Scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy revealed that after 50 days the PHB film and the blended film became more porous after degradation while synthetic film was not porous. The degradative process was biologically mediated which was evident by the control in which the PHB films were kept in sterile soil and the films showed inherent integrity over time. The TGA and DSC analysis shows that the melting temperatures were changed after degradation indicating physical changes in the polymer during degradation.     

Scanning electron microscopy of polyhydroxyalkanoate degradation by bacteria

Bacterial degradation of sheets of selected polyhydroxyalkanoates by Comamonas sp., Pseudomonas lemoignei and Pseudomonas fluorescens GK13 is reported. Five natural polyhydroxyalkanoates were used, namely poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), poly(3-hydroxyvalerate), a copolymer of 3-hydroxybutyrate and 3-hydroxyvalerate, a copolymer of mainly 3-hydroxyoctanoate and minor amounts of 3-hydroxyhexanoate, and two rubber-like copolymers of saturated and unsaturated hydroxyalkanoic acids that had been modified by electron-beam-induced cross-linking. Each of these polymers was degraded by at least one bacterial strain, the rate of hydrolysis being dependent on the surface area of the polymer exposed to attack. Scanning electron microscopy of partially degraded samples showed that hydrolysis started at the surface and at physical lesions in the polymer and proceeded to the inner part of the material. No evidence for areas of non-degradable polymer was found for any of the polymers analysed, even if the polymer contained chemical cross-links. Received: 24 July 1996 / Accepted: 29 August 1996     

Identification of poly(cis-1,4-Isoprene) degradation intermediates during growth of moderately thermophilic actinomycetes on rubber and cloning of a functional lcp homologue from Nocardia farcinica strain E1

The enrichment and isolation of thermophilic bacteria capable of rubber [poly(cis-1,4-isoprene)] degradation revealed eight different strains exhibiting both currently known strategies used by rubber-degrading mesophilic bacteria. Taxonomic characterization of these isolates by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis demonstrated closest relationships to Actinomadura nitritigenes, Nocardia farcinica, and Thermomonospora curvata. While strains related to N. farcinica exhibited adhesive growth as described for mycolic acid-containing actinomycetes belonging to the genus Gordonia, strains related to A. nitritigenes and T. curvata formed translucent halos on natural rubber latex agar as described for several mycelium-forming actinomycetes. For all strains, optimum growth rates were observed at 50 degrees C. The capability of rubber degradation was confirmed by mineralization experiments and by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Intermediates resulting from early degradation steps were purified by preparative GPC, and their analysis by infrared spectroscopy revealed the occurrence of carbonyl carbon atoms. Staining with Schiff's reagent also revealed the presence of aldehyde groups in the intermediates. Bifunctional isoprenoid species terminated with a keto and aldehyde function were found by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry analyses. Evidence was obtained that biodegradation of poly(cis-1,4-isoprene) is initiated by endocleavage, rather than by exocleavage. A gene (lcp) coding for a protein with high homology to Lcp (latex-clearing protein) from Streptomyces sp. strain K30 was identified in Nocardia farcinica E1. Streptomyces lividans TK23 expressing this Lcp homologue was able to cleave synthetic poly(cis-1,4-isoprene), confirming its involvement in initial polymer cleavage.     

Gelatin blending improves the performance of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) films for biomedical application

To improve the performance of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx), gelatin was blended with PHBHHx at different ratios. With increasing gelatin content, the weight loss of gelatin/PHBHHx blend in simulated body fluid at 37 degrees C was accelerated. After 2 months, there was about 15% weight loss in PHBHHx blending with 30% gelatin. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction results showed that gelatin blending increased the surface porosity and decreased the crystallinity, which may be responsible for the acceleration of the weight loss. Second harmonic generation results indicated that 10% gelatin blending had less disruption to PHBHHx spatial structure, resulting in better tensile mechanical properties. At the same time, increased surface porosity and decreased crystallinity caused by gelatin incorporation may be beneficial for cell growth compared with pure PHBHHx. All these indicated that gelatin incorporation may improve the performances of PHBHHx to meet the need of different situations during medical implantation.     

Blending chitosan with polycaprolactone: effects on physicochemical and antibacterial properties

Chitosan is a well sought-after polysaccharide in biomedical applications and has been blended with various macromolecules to mitigate undesirable properties. However, the effects of blending on the unique antibacterial activity of chitosan as well as changes in fatigue and degradation properties are not well understood. The aim of this work was to evaluate the anti-bacterial properties and changes in physicochemical properties of chitosan upon blending with synthetic polyester poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL). Chitosan and PCL were homogeneously dissolved in varying mass ratios in a unique 77% acetic acid in water mixture and processed into uniform membranes. When subjected to uniaxial cyclical loading in wet conditions, these membranes sustained 10 cycles of predetermined loads up to 1 MPa without break. Chitosan was anti-adhesive to Gram-positive Streptococcus mutans and Gram-negative Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans bacteria. Presence of PCL compromised the antibacterial property of chitosan. Four-week degradation studies in PBS/lysozyme at 37 degrees C showed initial weight loss due to chitosan after which no significant changes were observed. Molecular interactions between chitosan and PCL were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) which showed no chemical bond formations in the prepared blends. Investigation by wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) indicated that the crystal structure of individual polymers was unchanged in the blends. Dynamic mechanical and thermal analysis (DMTA) indicated that the crystallinity of PCL was suppressed and its storage modulus increased with the addition of chitosan. Analysis of surface topography by atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed a significant increase in roughness of all blends relative to chitosan. Observed differences in biological and anti-bacterial properties of blends could be primarily attributed to surface topographical changes.     

Biosynthesis and Characterization of Polyhydroxyalkanoates Copolymers Produced by Pseudomonas putida Bet001 Isolated from Palm Oil Mill Effluent

The biosynthesis and characterization of medium chain length poly-3-hydroxyalkanoates (mcl-PHA) produced by Pseudomonas putida Bet001 isolated from palm oil mill effluent was studied. The biosynthesis of mcl-PHA in this newly isolated microorganism follows a growth-associated trend. Mcl-PHA accumulation ranging from 49.7 to 68.9% on cell dry weight (CDW) basis were observed when fatty acids ranging from octanoic acid (C_8∶0) to oleic acid (C_18∶1) were used as sole carbon and energy source. Molecular weight of the polymer was found to be ranging from 55.7 to 77.7 kDa. Depending on the type of fatty acid used, the ¹H NMR and GCMSMS analyses of the chiral polymer showed a composition of even and odd carbon atom chain with monomer length of C4 to C14 with C8 and C10 as the principal monomers. No unsaturated monomer was detected. Thermo-chemical analyses showed the accumulated PHA to be semi-crystalline polymer with good thermal stability, having a thermal degradation temperature (T _d) of 264.6 to 318.8 (±0.2) ^oC, melting temperature (T _m) of 43. (±0.2) ^oC, glass transition temperature (T _g) of −1.0 (±0.2) ^oC and apparent melting enthalpy of fusion (ΔH _f) of 100.9 (±0.1) J g⁻¹.     

The conversion of BTEX compounds by single and defined mixed cultures to medium-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoate

Here, we report the use of petrochemical aromatic hydrocarbons as a feedstock for the biotechnological conversion into valuable biodegradable plastic polymers-polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). We assessed the ability of the known Pseudomonas putida species that are able to utilize benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, p-xylene (BTEX) compounds as a sole carbon and energy source for their ability to produce PHA from the single substrates. P. putida F1 is able to accumulate medium-chain-length (mcl) PHA when supplied with toluene, benzene, or ethylbenzene. P. putida mt-2 accumulates mcl-PHA when supplied with toluene or p-xylene. The highest level of PHA accumulated by cultures in shake flask was 26% cell dry weight for P. putida mt-2 supplied with p-xylene. A synthetic mixture of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, p-xylene, and styrene (BTEXS) which mimics the aromatic fraction of mixed plastic pyrolysis oil was supplied to a defined mixed culture of P. putida F1, mt-2, and CA-3 in the shake flasks and fermentation experiments. PHA was accumulated to 24% and to 36% of the cell dry weight of the shake flask and fermentation grown cultures respectively. In addition a three-fold higher cell density was achieved with the mixed culture grown in the bioreactor compared to shake flask experiments. A run in the 5-l fermentor resulted in the utilization of 59.6 g (67.5 ml) of the BTEXS mixture and the production of 6 g of mcl-PHA. The monomer composition of PHA accumulated by the mixed culture was the same as that accumulated by single strains supplied with single substrates with 3-hydroxydecanoic acid occurring as the predominant monomer. The purified polymer was partially crystalline with an average molecular weight of 86.9 kDa. It has a thermal degradation temperature of 350 degrees C and a glass transition temperature of -48.5 degrees C.     

Butadiene production process overview

Over 95% of butadiene is produced as a by-product of ethylene production from steam crackers. The crude C4 stream isolated from the steam cracking process is fed to butadiene extraction units, where butadiene is separated from the other C4s by extractive distillation. The amount of crude C4s produced in steam cracking is dependent on the composition of the feed to the cracking unit. Heavier feeds, such as naphtha, yield higher amounts of C4s and butadiene than do lighter feeds. Crackers using light feeds typically produce low quantities of C4s and do not have butadiene extraction units. Overall butadiene capacity is determined by ethylene cracker operating rates, the type of feed being cracked, and availability of butadiene extraction capacity. Global butadiene capacity is approximately 10.5 million metric tons, and global production is approximately 9 million metric tons [Chemical Marketing Associates, Inc. (CMAI), 2005 World Butadiene Analysis, Chemical Marketing Associates, Inc. (CMAI), 2005]. Crude C4s are traded globally, with the United States being the only significant net importer. Finished butadiene is also traded globally, with the largest exporters being Canada, Western Europe, Saudi Arabia and Korea. The largest net importers are Mexico, the United States and China. The global demand for butadiene is approximately 9 million metric tons [Chemical Marketing Associates, Inc. (CMAI), 2005 World Butadiene Analysis, Chemical Marketing Associates, Inc. (CMAI), 2005]. Production of styrene-butadiene rubber and polybutadiene rubber accounts for about 54% of global butadiene demand, with tire production being the single most important end use of butadiene synthetic rubbers. Other major butadiene derivatives are acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) and styrene butadiene latex (about 24% of demand combined).     

Injection molded thermoplastic starch/natural rubber/clay nanocomposites: Morphology and mechanical properties

Unmodified and modified natural rubber latex (uNRL and mNRL) were used to prepare thermoplastic starch/natural rubber/montmorillonite type clay (TPS/NR/Na⁺-MMT) nanocomposites by twin-screw extrusion. After being dried, the nanocomposites were injection molded to produce test specimens. Scanning electron micrographs of fractured samples revealed that chemical modification of NRL enhanced the interfacial adhesion between NR and TPS; improving their dispersion. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that the nanocomposites exhibited partially intercalated/exfoliated structures. Surprisingly, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that clay nanoparticles were preferentially intercalated into the rubber phase. Elastic modulus and tensile strength of TPS/NR blends were dramatically improved from 1.5 to 43 MPa and from 0.03 to 1.5 MPa, respectively, as a result of rubber modification. Properties of blends were almost unaffected by the dispersion of the clay except for the TPS/mNR blend loading 2% MMT. This was attributed to the exfoliation of the MMT.     

Natural wool/cellulose acetate blends regenerated from the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride

Dissolution and blending one of the most commonly used natural polymers, i.e., wool using a green solvent ionic liquid is described. The cleaned natural wool from merino sheep was directly dissolved and regenerated from 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMIMCl) without any modifications. BMIMCl was subsequently used to develop wool/cellulose acetate (CA) blends. Blending modification of wool in this IL green solvent led to significant increase in glass transition temperature (T_g) and thermal stability compared to the pure components. It was found that there exist strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions between regenerated wool and CA. Moreover homogeneous surface morphology was observed in the blends with higher CA concentrations. At the final stage of the blending process, the IL solvent was recycled completely. This work presents a green processing route for development of novel natural wool blended materials.     

Production of polyhydroxyalkanoates from intact triacylglycerols by genetically engineered Pseudomonas

Pseudomonas putida and P oleovorans have been extensively studied for their production of medium-chain-length (mcl)-polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). These bacteria are incapable of metabolizing triacylglycerols (TAGs). We have constructed recombinant P. putida and P. oleovorans that can utilize TAGs as substrates for growth and mcl-PHA synthesis. A recombinant plasmid, pCN51lip-1, carrying Pseudomonas lipase genes was used to electrotransform these organisms. The transformants expressed TAG-hydrolyzing activity as shown by a rhodamine B fluorescence plate assay. The genetically modified organisms grew in TAG-containing medium to a cell dry weight of 2-4 g/l. The recombinant P. putida produced mcl-PHA at a crude yield of 0.9-1.6 g/l with lard or coconut oil (Co) as substrate. While P. oleovorans transformant did not produce mcl-PHA, a mixed-culture fermentation approach with the wild-type and recombinant strains afforded polymer production from Co at a crude yield of 0.5 g/l. Compositional analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry showed that beta-hydroxyoctanoate (31-45 mol %) and beta-hydroxydecanoate (28-35 mol %) were the dominant repeat units of the TAG-based PHA. The number-average and weight-average molecular masses of the PHAs as determined by gel permeation chromatography were 82-170 x 10(3) g/mol and 464-693 x 10(3) g/mol, respectively. The recombinant approach can greatly increase the number of organisms that can be used to produce PHA from fat and oil substrates.     

Novel type of heme-dependent oxygenase catalyzes oxidative cleavage of rubber (poly-cis-1,4-isoprene)

An extracellular protein with strong absorption at 406 nm was purified from cell-free culture fluid of latex-grown Xanthomonas sp. strain 35Y. This protein was identical to the gene product of a recently characterized gene cloned from Xanthomonas sp., as revealed by determination of m/z values and sequencing of selected isolated peptides obtained after trypsin fingerprint analysis. The purified protein degraded both natural rubber latex and chemosynthetic poly(cis-1,4-isoprene) in vitro by oxidative cleavage of the double bonds of poly(cis-1,4-isoprene). 12-oxo-4,8-dimethyltrideca-4,8-diene-1-al (m/z 236) was identified and unequivocally characterized as the major cleavage product, and there was a homologous series of minor metabolites that differed from the major degradation product only in the number of repetitive isoprene units between terminal functions, CHO-CH2--and--H2-COCH3. An in vitro enzyme assay for oxidative rubber degradation was developed based on high-performance liquid chromatography analysis and spectroscopic detection of product carbonyl functions after derivatization with dinitrophenylhydrazone. Enzymatic cleavage of rubber by the purified protein was strictly dependent on the presence of oxygen; it did not require addition of any soluble cofactors or metal ions and was optimal around pH 7.0 at 40 degrees C. Carbon monoxide and cyanide inhibited the reaction; addition of catalase had no effect, and peroxidase activity could not be detected. The purified protein was specific for natural rubber latex and chemosynthetic poly(cis-1,4-isoprene). Analysis of the amino acid sequence deduced from the cloned gene (roxA [rubber oxygenase]) revealed the presence of two heme-binding motifs (CXXCH) for covalent attachment of heme to the protein. Spectroscopic analysis confirmed the presence of heme, and approximately 2 mol of heme per mol of RoxA was found.     

Highly efficient reinforcement of poly-L-lactide materials by polymer blending of a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer

A novel polymer blend system consisting of poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) and a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer (LCP: an aromatic polyester comprising poly(4-hydroxybenzoate) sequences) was investigated in the presence and absence of a polycabodiimide (PCD). Scanning electron micrographs of the injection-molded polymer blends revealed the formation of fibrous structure of LCP in the PLLA matrix, supporting the efficient toughening. In particular, the LCP fibrils became semimicrometer in diameter in the presence of PCD with which both PLLA and LCP had reacted during the melt blending to form their block and graft copolymers working as compatibilizer. The blend specimens containing LCP in 20-30 wt % were found to hold high dynamic storage-moduli (E') at high temperature. In addition, the E' value of the specimens containing 30 wt % of LCP reached 10.7 GPa at room temperature, being significantly higher than that of PLLA.