Bacterial Creation of Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) Bioplastics as Sustainable Plastic Replacements
Author(s): Dinesh Dwivedi
Publication #: 2505018
Date of Publication: 13.05.2025
Country: India
Pages: 1-9
Published In: Volume 11 Issue 3 May-2025
Abstract
The increasing environmental stress posed by petroleum-based plastics has spurred the world is need for sustainable and biodegradable materials. Among these, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are distinguished due to their PHAs stand out as a promising class of microbial polyesters produced by diverse bacterial strains under nutrient-limiting conditions. This Paper synthesizes and critiques PHAs done by Koller and co-workers by addressing the biochemical and microbiological aspects of PHA synthesis, the metabolic pathways and the major enzymes, as well as the diversity of polymers that can be produced by the bacteria. Their work also examines the new levels of genetic manipulation, fermentation processes, and differentiating feedstocks, especially agricultural waste, industrial effluent, and greenhouse gas methane. Comparing the biodegradability of PHAs within soil, compost and even marine environments with other plastics shows PHAs are less toxic to the environment and have greater potential to be classified under the circular bioeconomy. Nevertheless, despite the benefits, the persistent economic concerns of recovering and producing the PHAs remains: relying on new technologies and regulatory pressure may make market PHAs more appealing. In the end, the work reviews PHAs expectations and restricting factors concluding that these biopolymers, while unable to substitute fully petroplastics, would enable significant breakthroughs.
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