White matter fibre density in the brain's inhibitory control network is associated with falling in low activity older adults.

Recent research has indicated that the relationship between age-related cognitive decline and falling may be mediated by the individual's capacity to quickly cancel or inhibit a motor response. This longitudinal investigation demonstrates that higher white matter fibre density in the motor inhibition network paired with low physical activity was associated with falling in elderly participants. We measured the density of white matter fibre tracts connecting key nodes in the inhibitory control network in a large sample (n = 414) of older adults. We modelled their self-reported frequency of falling over a 4-year period with white matter fibre density in pathways corresponding to the direct and hyperdirect cortical-subcortical loops implicated in the inhibitory control network. Only connectivity between right inferior frontal gyrus and right subthalamic nucleus was associated with falling as measured cross-sectionally. The connectivity was not, however, predictive of future falling when measured 2 and 4 years later. Higher white matter fibre density was associated with falling, but only in combination with low levels of physical activity. No such relationship existed for selected control brain regions that are not implicated in the inhibitory control network. Albeit statistically robust, the direction of this effect was counterintuitive (more dense connectivity associated with falling) and warrants further longitudinal investigation into whether white matter fibre density changes over time in a manner correlated with falling, and mediated by physical activity.

Investigating the anti-bioadhesion properties of short, medium chain length, and amphiphilic polyhydroxyalkanoate films.

Silicone materials are widely used in fouling release coatings, but developing eco-friendly protection via biosourced coatings, such as polyhydroxyalcanoates (PHA) presents a major challenge. Anti-bioadhesion properties of medium chain length PHA and short chain length PHA films are studied and compared with a reference Polydimethylsiloxane coating. The results highlight the best capability of the soft and low-roughness PHA-mcl films to resist bacteria or diatoms adsorption as compared to neat PDMS and PHBHV coatings. These parameters are insufficient to explain all the results and other properties related to PHA crystallinity are discussed. Moreover, the addition of a low amount of PEG copolymers within the coatings, to create amphiphilic coatings, boosts their anti-adhesive properties. This work reveals the importance of the physical or chemical ambiguity of surfaces in their anti-adhesive effectiveness and highlights the potential of PHA-mcl film to resist the primary adhesion of microorganisms.

Synthesis of Fluorinated Polyhydroxyalkanoates from Marine Bioresources as a Promising Biomaterial Coating.

By successive enzymatic and chemical modifications, novel fluorinated polyhydroxyalkanoates were synthesized and characterized. Unsaturated polyhydroxyalkanoate, PHAU, was first produced by fermentation using marine bacteria Pseudomonas raguenesii, and a graft copolymer PHAU-g-C8F17 was further prepared by controlled thiol-ene reaction in the presence of perfluorodecanethiol (PFDT). The PFDT grafting is realized by two different processes. In the first method, PHAU was previously solubilized in toluene. The grafting in solution is more efficient than the direct heterogeneous grafting onto a PHAU film. The degrees of grafting were determined by 1H NMR. The characterization of the microstructure by SEM-EDX and modulated and conventional DSC showed the formation of microdomains due to the organization of the hydrophobic segments of graft PFDT. Biomaterials prepared by 3D printing and coated by PHAU-g-C8F17 have the potential to be used as novel contrast agents as shown by Hahn echo experiments.

Acidisoma silvae sp. nov. and Acidisomacellulosilytica sp. nov., Two Acidophilic Bacteria Isolated from Decaying Wood, Hydrolyzing Cellulose and Producing Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate.

Two novel strains, HW T2.11T and HW T5.17T, were isolated from decaying wood (forest of Champenoux, France). Study of the 16S rRNA sequence similarity indicated that the novel strains belong to the genus Acidisoma. The sequence similarity of the 16S rRNA gene of HW T2.11T with the corresponding sequences of A. tundrae and A. sibiricum was 97.30% and 97.25%, while for HW T5.17T it was 96.85% and 97.14%, respectively. The DNA G+C contents of the strains were 62.32-62.50%. Cells were Gram-negative coccobacilli that had intracellular storage granules (poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (P3HB)) that confer resistance to environmental stress conditions. They were mesophilic and acidophilic organisms growing at 8-25 °C, at a pH of 2.0-6.5, and were capable of using a wide range of organic compounds and complex biopolymers such as starch, fucoidan, laminarin, pectin and cellulose, the latter two being involved in wood composition. The major cellular fatty acid was cyclo C19:0ω8c and the major quinone was Q-10. Overall, genome relatedness indices between genomes of strains HW T2.11T and HW T5.17T (Orthologous Average Nucleotide Identity (OrthoANI) value = 83.73% and digital DNA-DNA hybridization score = 27.5%) confirmed that they belonged to two different species. Genetic predictions indicate that the cyclopropane fatty acid (CFA) pathway is present, conferring acid-resistance properties to the cells. The two novel strains might possess a class IV polyhydroxyalcanoate (PHA) synthase operon involved in the P3HB production pathway. Overall, the polyphasic taxonomic analysis shows that these two novel strains are adapted to harsh environments such as decaying wood where the organic matter is difficult to access, and can contribute to the degradation of dead wood. These strains represent novel species of the genus Acidisoma, for which the names Acidisoma silvae sp. nov. and Acidisomacellulosilytica sp. nov. are proposed. The type strains of Acidisoma silvae and Acidisomacellulosilytica are, respectively, HW T2.11T (DSM 111006T; UBOCC-M-3364T) and HW T5.17T (DSM 111007T; UBOCC-M-3365T).

Antifouling properties of amphiphilic poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate): an environmentally-friendly coating.

The development of biofouling is a major problem for marine industries. The conception of antifouling and fouling release coatings, with controlled physical-chemical properties is a promising strategy. Among them, amphiphilic systems, such as those composed of a hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane matrix and a hydrophilic polyethyleneglycol additive are the most efficient and up to date. Despite their effectiveness, these systems are questioned due to the petrochemical origin of PDMS. The aim of this project was to substitute the PDMS matrix with a biopolymer, poly(3-hydroxybuyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) and to improve its anti-adhesion properties through the elaboration of an amphiphilic system, via the addition of PEG or PHBHHx-b-PEG copolymer. The results, including the physico-chemical properties of PHBHV based coatings and static adhesion tests on a marine bacterium, Bacillus 4J6 and a diatom, Phaeodactylum tricornutum are compared with those of PDMS and PEG-modified PDMS coatings. Real antiadhesion activity was obtained for the PHBHV/PHBHHx-b-PEG system for a promising eco-friendly strategy.

Amphiphilic and Perfluorinated Poly(3-Hydroxyalkanoate) Nanocapsules for 19F Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Nanoparticles have recently emerged as valuable tools in biomedical imaging techniques. Here PEGylated and fluorinated nanocapsules based on poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate) containing a liquid core of perfluorooctyl bromide PFOB were formulated by an emulsion-evaporation process as potential 19F MRI imaging agents. Unsaturated poly(hydroxyalkanoate), PHAU, was produced by marine bacteria using coprah oil and undecenoic acid as substrates. PHA-g-(F; PEG) was prepared by two successive controlled thiol-ene reactions from PHAU with firstly three fluorinated thiols having from 3 up to 17 fluorine atoms and secondly with PEG-SH. The resulting PHA-g-(F; PEG)-based PFOB nanocapsules, with a diameter close to 250-300 nm, are shown to be visible in 19F MRI with an acquisition time of 15 min. The results showed that PFOB-nanocapsules based on PHA-g-(F; PEG) have the potential to be used as novel contrast agents for 19F MRI.

Could Brain-Computer Interface Be a New Therapeutic Approach for Body Integrity Dysphoria?

Patients suffering from body integrity dysphoria (BID) desire to become disabled, arising from a mismatch between the desired body and the physical body. We focus here on the most common variant, characterized by the desire for amputation of a healthy limb. In most reported cases, amputation of the rejected limb entirely alleviates the distress of the condition and engenders substantial improvement in quality of life. Since BID can lead to life-long suffering, it is essential to identify an effective form of treatment that causes the least amount of alteration to the person's anatomical structure and functionality. Treatment methods involving medications, psychotherapy, and vestibular stimulation have proven largely ineffective. In this hypothesis article, we briefly discuss the characteristics, etiology, and current treatment options available for BID before highlighting the need for new, theory driven approaches. Drawing on recent findings relating to functional and structural brain correlates of BID, we introduce the idea of brain-computer interface (BCI)/neurofeedback approaches to target altered patterns of brain activity, promote re-ownership of the limb, and/or attenuate stress and negativity associated with the altered body representation.

Challenges and Opportunities for the Future of Brain-Computer Interface in Neurorehabilitation.

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) provide a unique technological solution to circumvent the damaged motor system. For neurorehabilitation, the BCI can be used to translate neural signals associated with movement intentions into tangible feedback for the patient, when they are unable to generate functional movement themselves. Clinical interest in BCI is growing rapidly, as it would facilitate rehabilitation to commence earlier following brain damage and provides options for patients who are unable to partake in traditional physical therapy. However, substantial challenges with existing BCI implementations have prevented its widespread adoption. Recent advances in knowledge and technology provide opportunities to facilitate a change, provided that researchers and clinicians using BCI agree on standardisation of guidelines for protocols and shared efforts to uncover mechanisms. We propose that addressing the speed and effectiveness of learning BCI control are priorities for the field, which may be improved by multimodal or multi-stage approaches harnessing more sensitive neuroimaging technologies in the early learning stages, before transitioning to more practical, mobile implementations. Clarification of the neural mechanisms that give rise to improvement in motor function is an essential next step towards justifying clinical use of BCI. In particular, quantifying the unknown contribution of non-motor mechanisms to motor recovery calls for more stringent control conditions in experimental work. Here we provide a contemporary viewpoint on the factors impeding the scalability of BCI. Further, we provide a future outlook for optimal design of the technology to best exploit its unique potential, and best practices for research and reporting of findings.

Analysis of Antibiotic Resistance and Virulence Traits (Genetic and Phenotypic) in Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Isolates from Pakistan: Identification of Significant Levels of Carbapenem and Colistin Resistance.

BACKGROUND: The emergence of carbapenem-resistant and hypervirulent hypermucoviscous Klebsiella pneumoniae strains poses a significant public health challenge. We determined the MDR profiles, antibiotic resistance factors, virulence gene complement, and hypermucoviscous features of 200 clinical K. pneumoniae isolates from two major tertiary care hospitals in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Pakistan. METHODS: Susceptibility profiling and phenotypic analysis were performed according to the CLSI guidelines. Genetic determinants of antibiotic resistance and virulence were detected by PCR. Biofilm formation analysis was performed by microtiter plate assay. RESULTS: The isolates displayed a high degree of antibiotic resistance: 36% MDR-CRKP; 38% carbapenem resistance; 55% gentamicin resistance; 53% ciprofloxacin resistance; and 59% aztreonam resistance. In particular, the level of resistance against fosfomycin (22%) and colistin (15%) is consistent with previous reports of increased resistance levels. Combined resistance to carbapenem and colistin was 7%. Genetic factors associated with colistin resistance (mcr-1 and mcr-2 genes) were detected in 12 and 9% of the isolates, respectively. Significant differences in resistance to gentamicin and levofloxacin were observed between the 200 isolates. Many of the isolates harbored genes specifying extended-spectrum and/or carbapenem-resistant ß-lactamases: bla CTX-M-15 (46%), bla NDM-1 (39%), and bla OXA-48 (24%). The prevalence of the hypermucoviscous phenotype was 22% and 13% of the MDR isolates carried the rmpA gene (regulator for mucoid phenotype). Key virulence factor genes detected include those encoding: porins (ompK35 and ompK36; at 56 and 55% prevalence, respectively); adhesins (fimH, mrkD, and ycfM; at 19, 18, and 22% prevalence, respectively); and the polysaccharide regulator, bss, at 16% prevalence. CONCLUSION: This report highlights carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CRKP) prevalence, emerging resistance to fosfomycin, and the presence of mcr-1 and mcr-2 in colistin-resistant isolates. Further, the detection of rmpA signifies the prevalence of the hypermucoviscous trait in CRKP clinical isolates from Pakistan.

Neuronal response variability as a product of divisive normalization; neurobiological implications at a macroscale level.

The occurrence of neuronal spikes recorded directly from sensory cortex is highly irregular within and between presentations of an invariant stimulus. The traditional solution has been to average responses across many trials. However, with this approach, response variability is downplayed as noise, so it is assumed that statistically controlling it will reveal the brain's true response to a stimulus. A mounting body of evidence suggests that this approach is inadequate. For example, experiments show that response variability itself varies as a function of stimulus dimensions like contrast and state dimensions like attention. In other words, response variability has structure, is therefore potentially informative and should be incorporated into models which try to explain neural encoding. In this article we provide commentary on a recently published study by Coen-Cagli and Solomon that incorporates spike variability in a quantitative model, by explaining it as a function of divisive normalization. We consider the potential role of neural oscillations in this process as a potential bridge between the current microscale findings and response variability at the mesoscale/macroscale level.

The Three Lipocalins of Egg-White: Only Ex-FABP Inhibits Siderophore-Dependent Iron Sequestration by Salmonella Enteritidis.

Salmonella Enteritidis is the most prevalent food-borne pathogen associated with egg-related outbreaks in the European Union. During egg colonization, S. Enteritidis must resist the powerful anti-bacterial activities of egg white (EW) and overcome ovotransferrin-imposed iron-restriction (the most important anti-bacterial mechanism of EW). Many pathogens respond to iron restriction by secreting iron-chelating chemicals called siderophores but EW contains a siderophore-sequestering "lipocalin" protein (Ex-FABP) that is predicted to limit the usefulness of siderophores in EW. S. Enteritidis produces two siderophores: enterobactin, which is strongly bound by Ex-FABP; and the di-glucosylated enterobactin-derivative, salmochelin (a so-called "stealth" siderophore), which is not recognized by Ex-FABP. Thus, production of salmochelin may allow S. Enteritidis to escape Ex-FABP-mediated growth inhibition under iron restriction although it is unclear whether its EW concentration is sufficient to inhibit pathogens. Further, two other lipocalins (Cal-γ and α-1-ovoglycoprotein) are found in EW but their siderophore sequestration potential remains unexplored. In addition, the effect of EW lipocalins on the major EW pathogen, S. Enteritidis, has yet to be reported. We overexpressed and purified the three lipocalins of EW and investigated their ability to interact with the siderophores of S. Enteritidis, as well as their EW concentrations. The results show that Ex-FABP is present in EW at concentrations (5.1 µM) sufficient to inhibit growth of a salmochelin-deficient S. Enteritidis mutant under iron restriction but has little impact on the salmochelin-producing wildtype. Neither Cal-γ nor α-1-ovoglycoprotein bind salmochelin or enterobactin, nor do they inhibit iron-restricted growth of S. Enteritidis. However, both are present in EW at significant concentrations (5.6 and 233 µM, respectively) indicating that α-1-ovoglycoprotein is the 4th most abundant protein in EW, with Cal-γ and Ex-FABP at 11th and 12th most abundant. Further, we confirm the preference (16-fold) of Ex-FABP for the ferrated form (K d of 5.3 nM) of enterobactin over the iron-free form (K d of 86.2 nM), and its lack of affinity for salmochelin. In conclusion, our findings show that salmochelin production by S. Enteritidis enables this key egg-associated pathogen to overcome the enterobactin-sequestration activity of Ex-FABP when this lipocalin is provided at levels found in EW.

Psychometrics of Disembodiment and Its Differential Modulation by Visuomotor and Visuotactile Mismatches.

Altered states of embodiment are fundamental to the scientific understanding of bodily self consciousness. The feeling of disembodiment during everyday activities is common to clinical conditions; however, the direct study of disembodiment in experimental setups is rare compared to the extensive investigation of illusory embodiment of an external object. Using mixed reality to modulate embodiment through temporally mismatching sensory signals from the own body, we assessed how such mismatches affect phenomenal and physiological aspects of embodiment and measured perceptual thresholds for these across multimodal signals. The results of a principal component analysis suggest that multimodal mismatches generally induce disembodiment by increasing the sense of disownership and deafference and decreasing embodiment; however, this was not generally reflected in physiological changes. Although visual delay decreased embodiment both during active movement and passive touch, the effect was stronger for the former. We discuss the relevance of these findings for understanding bodily self plasticity.

Water-Soluble Poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate) Sulfonate: Versatile Biomaterials Used as Coatings for Highly Porous Nano-Metal Organic Framework.

Water-soluble poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate) containing ionic groups were designed by two successive photoactivated thiol-ene reactions. Sodium-3-mercapto-1-ethanesulfonate (SO3-) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) methyl ether thiol were grafted onto poly(3-hydroxyoctanoate-co-3-hydroxyundecenoate) PHO(67)U(33) to introduce both ionic groups and hydrophilic moieties. The grafted copolymers PHO(67)SO3-(20)PEG(13) were then used as biocompatible coatings of nano-metal organic frameworks (nanoMOFs) surfaces. Scanning electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray characterizations have clearly demonstrated the presence of the copolymer on the MOF surface. These coated nanoMOFs are stable in aqueous and physiological fluids. Cell proliferation and cytotoxicity tests performed on murine macrophages J774.A1 revealed no cytotoxic side effect. Thus, biocompatibility and stability of these novel hybrid porous MOF structures encourage their use in the development of effective therapeutic nanoparticles.

Draft genome sequence of Enterococcus faecium SP15, a potential probiotic strain isolated from spring water.

OBJECTIVES: Enterococci are Gram-positive lactic acid bacteria and common inhabitants of the gastrointestinal tract of mammals, including humans. They are also widely distributed in diverse environments such as soil, water, vegetables and food. Enterococcus faecium is able to produce antimicrobial compounds (enterocins) and thus can act as a probiotic. E. faecium SP15 is a newly identified enterocin-producing strain from spring water that has been subjected to genome sequence analysis to provide understanding of its antimicrobial and probiotic properties. DATA DESCRIPTION: The draft genome of E. faecium SP15 comprises of 2,783,033 bp with a G+C content of 38.08%. Five genetic loci predicted to specify enterocin production were identified, but no virulence factors could be detected and only two potential antibiotic resistance genes were noted.

The anti-bacterial iron-restriction defence mechanisms of egg white; the potential role of three lipocalin-like proteins in resistance against Salmonella.

Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE) is the most frequently-detected Salmonella in foodborne outbreaks in the European Union. Among such outbreaks, egg and egg products were identified as the most common vehicles of infection. Possibly, the major antibacterial property of egg white is iron restriction, which results from the presence of the iron-binding protein, ovotransferrin. To circumvent iron restriction, SE synthesise catecholate siderophores (i.e. enterobactin and salmochelin) that can chelate iron from host iron-binding proteins. Here, we highlight the role of lipocalin-like proteins found in egg white that could enhance egg-white iron restriction through sequestration of certain siderophores, including enterobactin. Indeed, it is now apparent that the egg-white lipocalin, Ex-FABP, can inhibit bacterial growth via its siderophore-binding capacity in vitro. However, it remains unclear whether Ex-FABP performs such a function in egg white or during bird infection. Regarding the two other lipocalins of egg white (Cal-γ and α-1-glycoprotein), there is currently no evidence to indicate that they sequester siderophores.

Draft genome sequence of a multidrug-resistant CTX-M-15 ß-lactamase-producing uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolate (ST131-O25b-H30) from Pakistan exhibiting high potential virulence.

OBJECTIVES: Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the leading cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs). The pandemic sequence type 131 (ST131) clonal group is associated with multidrug resistance and virulence. Here we report the first draft genome of a ST131-O25b-H30 strain from Pakistan, isolated from a patient with community-acquired UTI. METHODS: Next-generation sequencing was performed using MiSeq and HiSeq 2500 platforms. De novo assembly of the reads was performed using SPAdes v.3.11. Genomic features were determined with PATRIC and RAST tool kits. RESULTS: The 5327975-bp draft genome sequence has 5433 coding sequences and 82 tRNAs, an array of antimicrobial resistance genes [blaCTX-M-15, blaOXA-1, blaCMY-2, sul2, catB, dfrA17, mph(A)], a class 1 integron, 77 insertion sequence (IS) elements, a Tn3-like transposon, multiple virulence markers and 7 intact prophage loci. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the genome sequence of this new UPEC isolate from Pakistan provides a novel insight into the genetic attributes of an epidemic clone associated with a high level of resistance and virulence.

Discovery of a mcl-PHA with unexpected biotechnical properties: the marine environment of French Polynesia as a source for PHA-producing bacteria.

A library of microorganisms originating from various marine environments in French Polynesia was screened for polyhydroxyalkanoate producing bacteria. No significant connection was found between the geo-ecological source of bacteria and their ability to produce polyhydroxyalkanoate. A bacterial strain designated as Enterobacter FAK 1384 was isolated from a shark jaw. When grown on coprah oil, this bacterium produces a PHA constituting of 62 mol % 3-hydroxydecanoate and lower amount of 12 mol % 3-hydroxydodecenoate and of 7.6 mol % 3-hydroxydodecanoate. These interesting properties make this mcl-PHA a good candidate for further exploitations in many industrial sectors, as in film and coating manufacturing, as well as for biomedical applications.

Use of Natural Antimicrobial Peptides and Bacterial Biopolymers for Cultured Pearl Production.

Cultured pearls are the product of grafting and rearing of Pinctada margaritifera pearl oysters in their natural environment. Nucleus rejections and oyster mortality appear to result from bacterial infections or from an inappropriate grafting practice. To reduce the impact of bacterial infections, synthetic antibiotics have been applied during the grafting practice. However, the use of such antibiotics presents a number of problems associated with their incomplete biodegradability, limited efficacy in some cases, and an increased risk of selecting for antimicrobial resistant bacteria. We investigated the application of a marine antimicrobial peptide, tachyplesin, which is present in the Japanese horseshoe crab Tachypleus tridentatus, in combination with two marine bacterial exopolymers as alternative treatment agents. In field studies, the combination treatment resulted in a significant reduction in graft failures vs. untreated controls. The combination of tachyplesin (73 mg/L) with two bacterial exopolysaccharides (0.5% w/w) acting as filming agents, reduces graft-associated bacterial contamination. The survival data were similar to that reported for antibiotic treatments. These data suggest that non-antibiotic treatments of pearl oysters may provide an effective means of improving oyster survival following grafting procedures.

Partial characterization of an exopolysaccharide secreted by a marine bacterium, Vibrio neocaledonicus sp. nov., from New Caledonia.

AIMS: Exopolysaccharides (EPS) are industrially valuable molecules with numerous useful properties. This study describes the techniques used for the identification of a novel Vibrio bacterium and preliminary characterization of its EPS. METHODS AND RESULTS: Bioprospection in marine intertidal areas of New Caledonia followed by screening for EPS producing brought to selection of the isolate NC470. Phylogenetic analysis (biochemical tests, gene sequencing and DNA-DNA relatedness) permitted to identify NC470 as a new member of the Vibrio genus. The EPS was produced in batch fermentation, purified using the ultrafiltration process and analysed by colorimetry, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and HPLC-size exclusion chromatography. This EPS exhibits a high N-acetyl-hexosamines and uronic acid content with a low amount of neutral sugar. The molecular mass was 672 × 10(3)  Da. These data are relevant for possible technological exploitation. CONCLUSIONS: We propose the name Vibrio neocaledonicus sp. nov for this isolate NC470, producing an EPS with an unusual sugar composition. Comparison with other known polymers permitted to select applications for this polymer. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study contributes to evaluate the marine biodiversity of New Caledonia. It also highlights the biotechnological potential of New Caledonia marine bacteria.

Biosynthesis and characterization of polyhydroxyalkanoates by Pseudomonas guezennei from alkanoates and glucose.

The biosynthesis of medium chain length poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates) mcl PHAs by Pseudomonas guezennei using glucose, sodium octanoate, and 10-undecenoic acid as sole or mixed carbon sources was investigated. Chemical composition of polyesters was analyzed by GCMS and NMR. The copolyester produced by P. guezennei from glucose mainly consisted of 3-hydroxyoctanoate and 3-hydroxydecanoate, and the presence of 3-hydroxydodec-5-enoate was demonstrated. Using sodium octanoate as the sole nutrient, the microorganism produced a poly(3-hydroxyoctanoate) (PHO) polymer containing up to 94 mol% 3-hydroxyoctanoate. Biosynthesis of poly[(3-hydroxyoctanoate)-co-(3-hydroxyundecenoate)] (PHOU) copolymers bearing terminal reactive double bonds on its side chains with unsaturation degree ranging from 8.8% to 78.2% was obtained by tuning the ratio of sodium octanoate/10-undecenoic acid in the medium. Thermal analysis indicated semi-crystalline polymers with melting temperatures (T(m)) ranging from 46 to 55°C, fusion enthalpy (ΔH) comprised between 3 and 35 J/g and glass transition temperature (T(g)) from -36 to -44°C, except for the highly amorphous 78.2% unsaturated PHOU with a low T(g) (-50°C). Molecular weights determined by GPC ranged from 119000 and 530000 g/mol. The biosynthesis of natural polyesters with controlled ratio of vinyl-terminated side chains is of great interest for further chemical modifications.