ABSTRACT

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are biodegradable polymers which are the need of the hour. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we witnessed an exponential increase in the use and disposal of single use plastic The increase can be attributed to the lockdown measures and other efforts for mitigating the viral infection. PHAs are bacterial polymers which accumulate in the bacterial cell facing stress conditions. This polymer is non-toxic, biodegradable, biocompatible, has high tensile strength and good gas barrier properties. These properties allow the application of this polymer in various different industries, thus, making this polymer industrially relevant. In this review, we summarize the need and the properties of PHA. Further, we briefly discuss and compare PHA to other biopolymers and synthetic plastics. Ultimately, we summarize the cost-effective substrates utilized for the production of PHA; promoting a circular, green economy. Thus, in this review, we outline the significance of PHA as an alternative to petrochemical-based plastics, in the current world scenario. Keywords: Polyhydroxyalkanoates; Biodegradable; Synthetic plastics; Bioplastics; PHA
Publication date: 01/07/21

https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2021/July/MS_IJBPAS_2021_5639.pdf

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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2021/10.7.5639