Bacterial polyhydroxyalkanoates: Opportunities, challenges, and prospects. (1st August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kumar, Manish; Rathour, Rashmi; Singh, Rashmi; Sun, Yuqing; Pandey, Ashok; Gnansounou, Edgard; Andrew Lin, Kun-Yi; Tsang, Daniel C.W.; Thakur, Indu Shekhar
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 263(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-08-01
• Subjects: Bioplastics production -- Sustainable biorefinery -- Biodegradable polymers -- Waste management -- Biomedical applications -- Biomass valorization; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.121500
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: Excessive utilization of synthetic plastics has led to a major detrimental impact on the environment. Plastic pollution and accumulation in water bodies have threatened the survival of marine life. Plastic pollution can be prevented by using biopolymers that are eco-friendly and can be naturally produced by certain living organisms. The biopolymers have environmental advantages over synthetic plastics, such as biodegradability and biocompatibility. In comparison to plants and other microbial systems, bacteria can accumulate a high amount of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). However, the major stumbling block in the production of bacterial PHAs is its low cost-effectiveness due to costs associated with fermentaion and down-stream processing. In consideration with the above properties, opportunities and challeges associated with bacterial PHAs, this review focuses on structural diversity of PHAs, biosynthesis mechanism in bacteria, biodegradation, life cycle analysis, and environmental impact of bioplastic production. It further enumerates the advanced tools and techniques for bacterial PHA production, along with various factors affecting the commercialization of bioplastics. Extraction methods, down-stream processing, and biomedical applications of PHAs are also discussed. The opportunities and challenges in the commercialization of bacterial PHAs along with future scenario and environmental sustainability are presented for the purpose of fostering sustainable development. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Competitive assessment of biopolymers over synthetic plastics. Investigated the synthesis mechanism of PHAs in bacteria. Analysis of economy of microbial production of PHAs along with its applications. The major stumbling block in the production of PHAs is its non-cost effectiveness.