Recent advancements in biosynthesis, industrial production, and environmental applications of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs): A review

The increasing damage to the environment caused by synthetic plastics has raised the demand for sustainable substitutes, which has led to a rise in interest in biopolymers such as Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). PHAs have the potential to be useful materials in a variety of industries, including packaging, biomedical engineering, and agriculture, because of their physical qualities similar to ordinary plastics, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. This article offers a thorough analysis of the latest developments in PHA biosynthesis, with a particular emphasis on the β-oxidation pathway and microbial production techniques. It also explores PHA generation on an industrial scale, explaining the many substrates that are used to improve microbial productivity and efficiency. An in-depth review of the industrial processes in existence now highlights the difficulties in producing and purifying products at a reasonable cost, emphasizing the necessity of optimizing microbial strains and extraction methods to increase output and lower expenses. Furthermore, the review delves into the environmental uses of PHAs, emphasizing their contribution to the reduction of plastic pollution and the advancement of sustainability. Future approaches to increasing PHA production are explored, with particular attention paid to process optimization, genetic engineering, and the development of innovative recovery techniques. With the increasing need for environmentally acceptable materials, PHA production technology development will have a key role in solving the world's environmental problems. [Display omitted] •Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) is a microbial biopolymer and a viable renewable source.•Physical, chemical, mechanical, thermal and biological properties of PHA were summarized.•PHAs were naturally produced by the many species of microorganisms.•Biosynthetic pathways for the production of PHA were presented.•Potential applications of PHA in various industries have been reviewed.