Bacterial polyhydroxyalkanoates: Opportunities, challenges, and prospects

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.

TSC Opinion

Cet article fin une revue des avancés scientifiques concernant les PHA dont nous parlons régulièrement dans notre rubrique. Ils sont produits à l’échelle industrielle depuis pas mal d’années, mais les coût de matière ont limité leur application au domaine médical. L’amélioration des procédés de production et le regain d’intérêt pour des plastiques vraiment biodégradables et biosourcés donne une nouvelle impulsion à la R&D et aux investisseurs. Rappelons que ce sont les seuls polymères plastiques produits industriellement qui se dégradent dans l’eau de mer.