Over half of the chemicals manufactured in the US are used in the manufacturing of polymers. Production of these industrial and chemical building blocks claims approximately 20% of imported hydrocarbons.  Our nation's reliance on imported petroleum jeopardizes our energy, economic, and environmental security.

               With the increasing price of pertroluem and uncertainty of international coorporation the need for renewable sources for chemical builing blocks, energy and fuels is at its highest. These sources, also known as biomass sources, include wood, agriculture crops, and municipal waste.  These sources have been used to generate energy, as fuels, and as sources for chemical biulding blocks of biodegradable polymers.

              The field of biodegradable polymers has become increasingly popular with the push for green chemistry, for alternatives to hydrocarbons, and for the reduction of landfill space. Conventional organic chemistry methods and enzymatic methods are being currently invested for novel biodegradable polymers. Lipases are perhaps the most common enzyme due to its broad substrate range, commercial availability, and mild reaction conditions.