AN ALTERNATIVE TO PLASTICS: PHA AND THEIR PRODUCTION

Plastic products became necessary in our society. However, the current fossil-based method of manufacturing plastics results in significant emissions of greenhouse gases. Furthermore, synthetic plastics, because of their durability and toughness, are accumulating as waste in our environment, causing a serious threat. For these reasons, bio-based and biodegradable plastics are currently being used as a substitute. Among these, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are one kind of biodegradable plastics which are gaining attraction. PHAs serve as an intracellular carbon and/or energy storage reserve in various microorganisms under unfavorable growth conditions. They can be applied in various fields, since they are thermoplastic, biocompatible and non-toxic. The aim of this literature research is to focus on PHA production methods which are sustainable both environmentally and economically. It enlightens the recent application of engineered Escherichia coli as a host for the production of PHAs. In particular, it outlines the use of waste products as substrates for PHA production. Another production method is by using Algae, which can be used as a potential biomass source. An outline on the strategies of using Microalgae and Cyanobacteria is done, also adding a focus on genetic engineering to improve PHA production.