Recent Advances in Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate-co-3-Hydroxyvalerate) Biocomposites in Sustainable Packaging Applications

Abstract

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) is the most promising and appropriate microbial biopolymer as a replacement for conventional petroleum-based non-biodegradable polymers, due to its excellent biodegradability and biocompatibility. However, it has a few limitations that prevent it from being used commercially, including low mechanical strength, hydrophobicity, poor thermal and electrical properties, difficult processing, and high cost. Recent researches has shown that it is the most promising natural biopolymer, particularly for packaging. To use PHBV in biocomposites, methods of compensating for PHBV's shortcomings, such as adding fillers, more cost-effective and efficient production methods, or alternative PHBV sources, must be developed. Numerous researchers are looking into ways to improve characteristics and lower prices by developing biocomposites to address environmental safety concerns with PHBV, developing and discovering more affordable biological PHBV production methods, discovering new microbial strains or strain combinations, or developing less expensive PHBV extraction methods. The current review provides a detailed description of the studies conducted to improve the properties of PHBV as biocomposites by employing less expensive yet efficient reinforcements, particularly for food packaging applications. Furthermore, nanocellulose can be studied further as a PHBV biocomposites enhancement to improve properties and functionalities from various optimal sources in order to produce fully degradable bionanocomposites for sustainable packaging applications.