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More than PHB – the PHAmily of Copolymers: Justifications for Broader Use and Summary of Biodegradation Facts on Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) – A Review
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Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) encompass a broad family of copolymers beyond the well-known PHB, each with distinct mechanical and thermal properties suited to specific applications. This review makes the case for embracing bioplastic diversity rather than converging on a single material, arguing that different PHA compositions are needed to replace the full range of conventional plastics. The variety within the PHA family is a strength, not a complication, for the transition to sustainable materials.
Globally, a significant portion of plastics are mismanaged, ultimately ending up in the environment. While reducing, reusing, and recycling plastics should be the preferred end-of-life scenarios, biodegradable plastics are compatible with all of these routes and represent a promising alternative. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a family of polyesters synthesized by various microorganisms, stand out in this regard. The most common type of PHA, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), is particularly relevant as it is both biobased and biodegradable. Additionally, there is substantial knowledge about this thermoplastic polyester, its applications, and its commercial availability. However, over 150 other PHA building blocks have been identified, with some having been tested and developed for various promising applications. Despite this, not all PHA copolymers have been fully evaluated for their biodegradability across diverse environmental conditions. Nevertheless, due to their biosynthesis in living microorganisms, a good degree of biodegradability is expected. Moreover, PHAs can also be chemically recycled into valuable chemicals, positioning them as the biobased polymer with the most versatile end-of-life options. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on PHA copolymers, their cur rent end-of-life pathways, the most relevant biodegradability standards, and their degradability by depolymerase enzymes.
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Biodegradability of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolyesters in nature: a review
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This comprehensive review examined the biodegradation of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) biopolyesters in fresh water, sea water, soil, and composting and anaerobic conditions, comparing how monomer composition and microstructure influence biodegradation rates across environments. The review synthesized information from over 150 identified PHA building blocks, arguing that PHA's natural circularity via microbial enzymatic biodegradation and production from renewable carbon sources positions it as a gold standard sustainable alternative to fossil-based plastics.
A Review on Biological Synthesis of the Biodegradable Polymers Polyhydroxyalkanoates and the Development of Multiple Applications
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This review covers the biological production of polyhydroxyalkanoates, a family of biodegradable bioplastics that bacteria naturally produce from waste carbon sources. Researchers found that these biopolymers have properties similar to conventional plastics like polypropylene but can fully biodegrade, making them a promising alternative to petroleum-based plastics. The study emphasizes that scaling up production and establishing proper end-of-life management are critical steps for PHAs to compete with conventional plastics and help reduce microplastic pollution.
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) – Production, Properties, and Biodegradation
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This review covers polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a class of microbially produced biopolyesters, discussing raw material innovation, microbial producer strains, bioengineering approaches for improved yields, and end-of-life biodegradation options. PHAs are presented as a genuinely circular plastic alternative due to their renewable production, biodegradability, and compatibility with existing plastic applications including food packaging.
Polyhydroxyalkanoates biosynthesis, resulting polymer structures, and plasticization
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This review examines polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a class of biodegradable biopolymers synthesized by microorganisms, discussing strategies including plasticizers and monomer inclusion to overcome the brittleness and processing challenges of the most common PHA, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate).
PHA, the Greenest Plastic So Far: Advancing Microbial Synthesis, Recovery, and Sustainable Applications for Circularity
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This review examines polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a family of biodegradable plastics made by bacteria that could replace conventional petroleum-based plastics. Switching to PHAs could significantly reduce microplastic pollution because unlike traditional plastics, these materials fully break down in the environment rather than fragmenting into persistent microplastic particles.
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