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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
08:14
Scalable Step-by-Step Approach of Sustainable Bioplastic Production from Food Waste
Published on: July 18, 2025
Polyhydroxyalkanoates as multifaceted biopolymers: an eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastics
Konjerimam Ishaku Chimbekujwo1,2,3, Udeme Joshua Josiah Ijah1, Oluwafemi Adebayo Oyewole1
1Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology Minna Nigeria.
RSC Advances
|June 4, 2026
Summary
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) offer a biodegradable alternative to plastics. This review analyzes PHA production methods, challenges, and potential for sustainable plastic replacement.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Polymer Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Plastic pollution from fossil-based materials is a major environmental issue.
- Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biodegradable, bio-based alternatives with potential to mitigate plastic pollution.
- Industrial-scale PHA production is limited by financial and process constraints.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive evaluation of PHAs as biopolymers.
- To analyze existing developments and identify constraints in PHA production and application.
- To suggest a strategic pathway for future research to enhance PHA relevance.
Main Methods:
- Comparative evaluation of different feedstocks and optimization approaches for microbial PHA production.
- Assessment of metabolic engineering advancements, including CRISPR/Cas9 and synthetic biology.
- Review of downstream processing techniques (chemical, enzymatic, mechanical, biological) for PHA extraction.
Main Results:
- Identified key barriers to large-scale PHA production: high manufacturing costs, raw material variability, and operational limitations.
- Highlighted effectiveness and limitations of various feedstocks and optimization strategies.
- Evaluated advancements in metabolic engineering and downstream processing for increased yield and modified properties.
Conclusions:
- PHAs hold significant promise as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics.
- Overcoming production cost and scalability challenges is crucial for widespread adoption.
- Integrated research connecting PHA production, properties, and applications is necessary to enhance their market relevance.
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