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Updated: Jun 9, 2025

Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture
Published on: May 10, 2013
Materials designed to degrade: structure, properties, processing, and performance relationships in
Jessica N Lalonde1,2, Ghanshyam Pilania3, Babetta L Marrone2
1Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University Durham NC 27708 USA.
Abstract:
Conventional plastics pose significant environmental and health risks across their life cycle, driving intense interest in sustainable alternatives. Among these, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) stand out for their biocompatibility, degradation characteristics, and diverse applications. Yet, challenges like production cost, scalability, and limited chemical variety hinder their widespread adoption, impacting material selection and design. This review examines PHA research through the lens of the classical materials tetrahedron, exploring property-structure-processing-performance (PSPP) relationships. By analyzing recent literature and addressing current limitations, we gain valuable insights into PHA development. Despite challenges, we remain optimistic about the role of PHAs in transitioning towards a circular plastic economy, emphasizing the need for further research to unlock their full potential.
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