Limitations on production methods for phas obtention: A systematic review

Abstract

This systematic review shows the most important characteristics of the methods used for the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). Three databases were consulted: Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar. A total of 66 publications were obtained. Cupriavidus necator was found to be the microorganism that generates more interest in the scientific community and the most tested one in different substrates, however, the highest productivity was reported in Azohydromonas lata, a low reported microorganism. The most common cultivation system was the fed-batch, easily used at the industrial level, although the continuous system could save time and potentially increase productivity. However, the type of substrate, the polymer to be produced and the metabolic characteristics and requirements of each microorganism, imply technical limitations, which are evidenced in this review in order to provide a better understanding about its advantages and disadvantages.