Bioplastics, which are plastic materials produced from renewable bio-based feedstocks, have been investigated for their potential as an attractive alternative to petroleum-based plastics. Despite the harmful effects of plastic accumulation in the environment, bioplastic production is still underdeveloped. Recent advances in strain development, genome sequencing, and editing technologies have accelerated research efforts toward bioplastic production and helped to advance its goal of replacing conventional plastics. In this review, we highlight bioengineering approaches, new advancements, and related challenges in the bioproduction and biodegradation of plastics. We cover different types of polymers, including polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs and PHBs) produced by bacterial, microalgal, and plant species naturally as well as through genetic engineering. Moreover, we provide detailed information on pathways that produce PHAs and PHBs in bacteria. Lastly, we present the prospect of using large-scale genome engineering to enhance strains and develop microalgae as a sustainable production platform.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9787566 | PMC |
http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10122320 | DOI Listing |
Bioresour Technol
January 2025
Department of Chemical Engineering (BK21 FOUR Integrated Engineering), Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Republic of Korea. Electronic address:
Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) production using methanotrophs offers an economical solution to counter increasing environmental pollution. However, the substrate specificity of methanotrophs limits their ability to use multiple gases for chemical production. In this study, a synthetic heterotrophic and methanotrophic co-culture system was developed to co-utilize methane and propane for PHB production.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFront Biosci (Landmark Ed)
January 2025
Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, 11451 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Background: We investigated chitosan's protective effects against tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ)-induced toxicity in adult male rats, focusing on cognitive functions and oxidative stress in the brain, liver, and kidneys.
Methods: Rats were divided into four groups (n = 8/group): (1) Control, (2) Chitosan only, (3) TBHQ only, and (4) Chitosan + TBHQ.
Results: TBHQ exposure led to significant cognitive impairments and increased oxidative stress, marked by elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) levels.
Polymers (Basel)
January 2025
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA.
This study presents the design, modeling, and validation of a mixing screw for energy-efficient single-screw extrusion. The screw features a short length-to-diameter (L/D) ratio of 8:1 and incorporates double flights with variable pitch and counter-rotating mixing slots. These features promote enhanced plastication by breaking up the solid bed and improving thermal homogeneity through backflow mechanisms relieving a 3.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPolymers (Basel)
January 2025
Department of Biotechnology, Biochemistry and Bioengineering, National Research Ogarev Mordovia State University, 430005 Saransk, Russia.
An original design of a simple bioreactor was used to fabricate two tubular, 200 cm long BC structures by culturing B-11267 on a molasses medium. In addition, a tubular BC-based biocomposite with improved mechanical properties was obtained by combining cultivation on the molasses medium with in situ chemical modification by polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Moreover, the present study investigated the BC production by the B-11267 strain on the media with different molasses concentrations under agitated culture conditions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPolymers (Basel)
January 2025
Área de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad de León, 24007 León, Spain.
Bioplastics are emerging as a promising solution to reduce pollution caused by petroleum-based plastics. Among them, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) stand out as viable biotechnological alternatives, though their commercialization is limited by expensive downstream processes. Traditional PHA extraction methods often involve toxic solvents and high energy consumption, underscoring the need for more sustainable approaches.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!