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Production of biopolymers from microalgae and cyanobacteria
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This review examines the production of biopolymers, particularly polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), from microalgae and cyanobacteria as sustainable alternatives to conventional petroleum-based plastics, synthesizing studies on biomass accumulation and production pathways. The authors discuss the properties, applications, and scalability challenges of microalgae- and cyanobacteria-derived bioplastics in the context of reducing plastic pollution and fossil fuel dependence.
Abstract Over the past few decades, plastic-derived pollution has been recognized as a major environmental issue because the use of conventional plastics results in vast amounts of waste as well as in fossil-fuel depletion. Biodegradable and biobased polymers are a promising alternative to conventional plastics. In this context, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are bioplastics with similar mechanical and thermal properties to petroleum-based plastics which can be used in a wide range of applications. Several studies have reported the accumulation of PHAs in the biomass of microalgae and cyanobacteria. Under optimal conditions for PHA accumulation, that is, nutrient limitation, and optimal light intensity, PHA content can significantly increase, achieving 85% of dry biomass weight. Downstream recovery of PHAs is also a critical step that affects the properties and the yield of PHAs. Bioplastic production from microalgae and cyanobacteria on a commercial scale is still limited due to its high cost, with the cultivation medium accounting for up to 50% of the total production cost. The use of wastewater as a growth medium can improve the economic feasibility and sustainability of PHA production from microalgae and cyanobacteria and contribute to a more circular economy.
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Biopolymers production from microalgae and cyanobacteria cultivated in wastewater: Recent advances
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This review explores how microalgae and cyanobacteria grown in wastewater can produce biodegradable biopolymers as an alternative to conventional plastics. Researchers found that these organisms can manufacture polyhydroxyalkanoates and other bioplastics while simultaneously helping to treat wastewater. The approach offers a promising dual benefit of reducing plastic pollution and creating value from waste streams.
Unveiling the potential of microalgae for bioplastic production from wastewater – current trends, innovations, and future prospects
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Researchers reviewed the use of microalgae grown on wastewater as feedstock for polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) bioplastics, finding that this dual-purpose approach simultaneously treats nutrient-rich effluents and produces biodegradable polymers with competitive mechanical and chemical properties.
Microalgae as Contributors to Produce Biopolymers
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This review examined how microalgae can produce biopolymers as sustainable alternatives to fossil-based plastics, highlighting their potential for generating biodegradable materials like polyhydroxyalkanoates and polysaccharides for packaging and biomedical applications.
Polyhydroxyalkanoates as multifaceted biopolymers: an eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastics.
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Plastic pollution and the microplastics it creates are a growing health concern, but this review paper looks at a promising fix: plastics made by bacteria instead of fossil fuels, called PHAs, which naturally break down without leaving lasting waste. The researchers summarize existing studies on how to grow and produce these bacteria-made plastics more efficiently and affordably, since high costs are still the main reason they haven't replaced regular plastic on store shelves. While PHAs aren't widely available yet, this research maps out what's needed to make them a real, scalable alternative that could reduce our exposure to plastic waste in the environment
Selection of microalgae and cyanobacteria to produce polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) - A case study in Vietnam
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Researchers screened 47 strains of microalgae and cyanobacteria from Vietnam for their ability to produce polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) — biodegradable plastics made by microorganisms — finding 15 strains capable of producing them, with several Arthrospira (spirulina-type) strains accumulating the most. These naturally produced bioplastics could serve as a sustainable, biodegradable alternative to conventional plastics that contribute to microplastic pollution.
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