Significance of Algal Biotechnology in the Manufacturing of Green Plastics

Plastic has become one of the most indispensable components of our lifestyles. The persistent use of non -biodegradableplastics that are derived from petroleum has led to a rise in the damage done to the environment on a worldwide scale as well as a rapid depletion of fossil fuels.Plastics are man -made polymers that are mostly composed of carbon and may be used in a wide range of contexts throughout daily life.Plastics derived from petroleum are very popular because they have many desired qualities, including low cost, transparency, lightweight, high heat resistance, and a good weight -to -strength ratio. These qualities have led to their widespread application. It is simple to mold into a variety of shapes, which enables it to make a wide range of materials. Bioplastic, which has qualities that are surprisingly comparable to those of polymers derived from petroleum, is a viable option that might be used to tackle these developing difficulties. There have only been a few research done on the strain selections and optimization of growth conditions necessary for the manufacture of bioplastic, although algae and cyanobacteria are viable alternative sources for bioplastic and might potentially be used. One of the most recent research projects on the genetic engineering of Synechocystis sp. paired with abiotic challenges indicated a rise in PHB level of up to 81% in the transformed lines. Although it is natural for algae and cyanobacteria to be able to collect a greater number of metabolites when they are under stress, this was not the case in one of the experiments. This chapter presents a synopsis of a variety of research that has been conducted in the field of algal bioplastics. Topics included in this summary include bioplastic qualities, genetic engineering, the existing regulatory framework, and the prospects of bioplastic. In addition, the uses of bioplastics in the industrialsector, as well as the potential and roles that bioplastics play in the green economy, are also covered in this article.