Potential of Cupriavidus necator as a versatile platform for producing a wide range of polyhydroxyalkanoates

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are bioplastics with increasing commercial interest due to their thermomechanical properties, which are comparable to those of petrochemical plastics. Furthermore, they biodegrade in various environments and biocompatible. Applications related to both packaging and biomedical purposes have therefore prompted research to improve their production. Among the microorganisms capable of producing them, Cupriavidus necator stands out as one of the most widely studied and efficient platforms and is the model microorganism for PHA production. This bacterium is highly versatile, capable of utilizing diverse carbon sources, from sugars and organic acids to CO2 and hydrogen, to produce a wide range of polymers in high concentrations. This review provides a comprehensive overview of C. necator covering its taxonomic history, metabolic pathways, and the genetic regulation of PHA synthesis. We examine the stoichiometry of growth and polymer production, presenting generalized equations for different carbon sources. Furthermore, we discuss the biotechnological production of PHAs, comparing performance between Erlenmeyer flasks and bioreactors, and analyzing the effect of different feeding strategies on polymer yield and composition. Finally, current challenges and prospects are addressed, emphasizing the potential of C. necator as a sustainable and versatile cell factory for the large-scale production of biopolymers.