Succinic Acid Production from Oil Palm Biomass: A Prospective Plastic Pollution Solution

Abstract

Plastic pollution has placed a significant emphasis on the need for synthesising bioplastics, such as polybutylene succinate (PBS), which is derived from succinic acid. Furthermore, environmental concerns and the depletion of non-renewable fossil fuels have initiated an interest in exploring the biotechnological route of succinic acid production via fermentation. Consequently, oil palm biomass might be a prospective substitute for the costlier pure carbon source, which is more sustainable and cost-effective due to its abundance and high lignocellulosic content. The current review focuses on the potential of oil palm biomass utilisation to synthesise succinic acid and its associated bioplastics. The pretreatment and hydrolysis of various oil palm biomass and studies on bioplastics generation from oil palm biomass are also discussed. This review also identified the challenges of manufacturing succinic acid from oil palm biomass and included several recommendations.