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Characterization of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) from Alternative, Scalable (Waste) Feedstocks
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This study compares two biodegradable bioplastics (P3HB) made from waste feedstocks — one produced by cyanobacteria using sunlight and CO2, the other by methane-eating bacteria — and finds both have thermal and mechanical properties on par with conventionally produced P3HB. The relevance to microplastics is indirect: switching to genuinely biodegradable plastics made from waste gases could reduce the long-lasting microplastic particles generated by conventional petroleum-based polymers.
Bioplastics hold significant promise in replacing conventional plastic materials, linked to various serious issues such as fossil resource consumption, microplastic formation, non-degradability, and limited end-of-life options. Among bioplastics, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) emerge as an intriguing class, with poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) being the most utilized. The extensive application of P3HB encounters a challenge due to its high production costs, prompting the investigation of sustainable alternatives, including the utilization of waste and new production routes involving CO2 and CH4. This study provides a valuable comparison of two P3HBs synthesized through distinct routes: one via cyanobacteria (Synechocystis sp. PCC 6714) for photoautotrophic production and the other via methanotrophic bacteria (Methylocystis sp. GB 25) for chemoautotrophic growth. This research evaluates the thermal and mechanical properties, including the aging effect over 21 days, demonstrating that both P3HBs are comparable, exhibiting physical properties similar to standard P3HBs. The results highlight the promising potential of P3HBs obtained through alternative routes as biomaterials, thereby contributing to the transition toward more sustainable alternatives to fossil polymers.
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Isolation and characterisation of Methylocystis spp. for poly-3-hydroxybutyrate production using waste methane feedstocks
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Researchers isolated two new strains of methane-eating bacteria capable of converting waste methane gas — from landfills and digesters — into poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), a biodegradable plastic alternative. This dual approach could simultaneously reduce greenhouse gas emissions and produce an eco-friendly substitute for conventional petroleum-based plastics.
A Review of PHB Production by Cyanobacteria and Its Applications
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This review examines cyanobacteria as photoautotrophic producers of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) bioplastic, summarizing how nutrient-stress conditions stimulate PHB accumulation and evaluating the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of using cyanobacteria as an alternative to conventional feedstocks for biodegradable plastic production.
A review on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) [P(3HB-co-3HHx)] and genetic modifications that affect its production
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This review examined the properties, biodegradation behavior, and application potential of the biopolymer P(3HB-co-3HHx), a polyhydroxyalkanoate with mechanical properties comparable to common commodity plastics. The authors assess its viability as a drop-in replacement for single-use plastics, medical devices, and packaging with genuine end-of-life biodegradability.
Non-sugar-based Bioprocess for P(3HB) Production
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Researchers developed a bio-based process for producing poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) bioplastic by feeding methane-converting bacteria to mealworms, which digested the cells and allowed recovery of PHB granules at 95% purity within 24 hours. This approach bypasses the need for toxic chlorinated solvents and offers a scalable, low-cost alternative for biopolymer extraction.
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.
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