Waste to value-added products: an innovative approach forsustainable production of microbial biopolymer (PHA) - emphasis on inexpensive carbon feedstock

Abstract

Energy can be extracted from waste by chemical and biological means. There are many pathways involved in the conversion of complex carbon sources to industrially valuable products. Exploring valorization with the concept of green chemistry, focusing on transforming waste with a more environmentally compassionate product has become the new ideology. Especially efficient utilization of industrial discard as renewable feedstocks in the production of eco-friendly products are upcoming technology. The production of one such eco-friendly material, bioplastics polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) is discussed in this review. PHAs are naturally occurring polymers amongst various organisms and are produced intracellularly by bacterial fermentation. PHAs belong to a polyester family and, hence potentially replace hydrocarbon-based conventional polymers. Bacteria for PHA production can be grown on various renewable waste feedstocks. This process not only eliminates the waste it adds value to it. This review provides insight into the production of PHA from the feedstocks. With the possibility of synthesis of other value-added products. This can be waste-to-energy technology (WTE).