Overview on Polyhydroxyalkanoates: A Promising Biopol

Abstract

Plastic pollution is creating the significant environmental and economic burdens since they consume the natural fuels (energy) and other natural resources. Beside this, they have long shelf time, debasing the environment in the numerous ways. The only way to trim down the hazards of plastic pollution is to decrease the use of plastic and thereby reducing its production. Degradations and recycling steps followed to diminish these plastic was of no use since it takes abundant stress (mechanical and chemical) to do so and also considered being costly. Biodegradable plastics became major approach to solve this issue and also became eminent since 1970s. From the inventory of biopolymers acting as bioplastics, PHA has gained major importance because of its analogous behavior to that of petro based plastics. PHAs are the linear polymers produced by the microbes to store energy and carbon. Present review discusses about the PHA production method, recent advances in producing, its degradation and applications of PHA which elucidates the gaining importance in today's industrial world.

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA): Review of synthesis, characteristics, processing and potential applications in packaging

“…When products, such as bags and bottles, are discarded, it is not possible in several cases, to collect them, and can end up clogging sewers and drains, and polluting streets, beaches and scenery, having a very costly impact on waste management. Plastic pollution is creating significant environmental and economic burdens since plastics deplete natural fuels (energy) and other natural resources [9]. The use of biodegradable plastics can serve as a response to this issue.…”

PHA Production from Molasses Using Mixed Microbial Cultures: Techno-Economic Feasibility AnalysisPHA Production from Molasses Using Mixed Microbial Cultures: Techno-Economic Feasibility Analysis

“…As a result, substantial pollution has accumulated over time and has overrun the streets and other public spaces. Because plastic waste dissipates natural fuels (energy) and some other natural resources, it has posed major environmental and economic problems [30]. As public awareness of the harmful effects of plastics on the humans and the environment has grown, several countries have taken steps to address the issue at the regional, national, and global level [7].…”

Production and Characterization of Polyhydroxyalkanoates from Wastewater via Mixed Microbial Cultures and Microalgae

“…Biodegradable polyesters such as poly-lactic acid (PLA) show better performances, but they are only hemi-synthetic. Finally, bacterial polyesters such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are an interesting class of bioplastics naturally produced by a variety of microorganisms [2,3]. PHAs are linear biodegradable polyesters that can be produced by different types of bacteria as energy and carbon storage materials.…”

“…PHAs are composed of hydroxyalkanoic acid monomers with a straight or branched chain containing aliphatic or aromatic side groups [3]. Several metabolic pathways are described for the production of PHAs in bacteria; these processes usually involve acetyl-CoA or acyl-CoA as intermediate steps [6].…”