Sustainable synthesis and applications of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from biomass

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) belong to group of biopolymers that have in recent times received growing research interest as a result of being eco-friendly and close characteristics with petrochemical based plastics. Alternatives to utilization of synthetic plastics are being explored since synthetic plastics are non-recyclable and non-biodegradable in nature. One of the innovations of Green Chemistry is utilization of renewable feedstocks such as biomass to achieve sustainable development with future circular economy. Bio-based products are of great interest to sustainable development as a result of diminishing fossil fuel reserves and rising environmental concerns. This review summarizes the productions of PHAs from renewable feedstocks such as lignocellulose, crude glycerol, levulinic acid (LA), palm-oil mill effluents (POME) and waste oils. The production of bio-based polymers has become much more professional and differentiated in recent years. Presently, there are bio-based alternatives for practically every application, therefore, this review presents applications of PHA in bio-refinery, medical sectors, agriculture sector, construction industry, and in packaging industry. The cost analysis of PHA from renewable sources with commercially available ones and potential to attain circular economy were also stressed. The reasons for this shift are connected to the non-renewability of fossil-based resources, the deteriorating environmental impacts, and the lack of biodegradability of the petroleum-produced materials.