Third-generation biomass for bioplastics: a comprehensive review of microalgae-driven polyhydroxyalkanoate production

Abstract

Bio-based plastics, primarily polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), offer a hopeful alternative to petroleum-derived plastics. Third- generation (3G; microalgae/cyanobacteria) biomass has gained significant importance due to its rapid biomass productivity and metabolic versatility. Microalgae can produce PHAs by utilizing CO2 and wastewater, establishing them as highly promising and eco-friendly systems for bioplastic production. This comprehensive review presents comprehensive insights into microalgae-PHA production, from optimization of physicochemical and cultural conditions to effective PHA purification processes. The critical review also examines the latest advancements in cultivation strategies, metabolic engineering, and bioreactor developments, which may lead to more sustainable and progressive microalgal-based bioplastic accumulation. The effectiveness of algae biomass generation for PHA accumulation through integrated wastewater treatment has been addressed. This review examines the role of mathematical modeling and emerging artificial intelligence in advancing algae- based PHA production processes. Finally, the review concludes with a discussion of the economic and social challenges, life cycle analysis, and prospects for research and development of advanced microalgal-derived bioplastics production and predictions of potential solutions for economically feasible and sustainable microalgae-based PHA production at the industrial scale. (c) 2024 Alpha Creation Enterprise CC BY 4.0