The potential of a sustainable polylactic acid production via microwave treatment

Polylactic acid (PLA) as a bioplastic material has been extensively applied in various industries, including packaging, textiles, and the biomedical industry due to their desired physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. This polymer is also used in 3D printing filaments and nanocomposites. Despite the various applications of PLA being explored in the industry, there is a demand for a higher yield, better efficiency, and a sustainable and economical process in PLA production. Thus, this preliminary study is investigating the potential of PLA production via microwave treatment. The work involves an experimental study of the conversion of glucose to lactic acid (LA), followed by a systemic review of the production of PLA from LA. The highest yield of LA was observed after 40 minutes of microwave treatment at 180 °C, as indicated by Benedict test and pH measurements, with time as the independent variable. Based on the review, it is suggested that the bicatalyst has the potential to increase the yield of PLA production from LA. Activated charcoal (AC) and tungsten phosphoric acid (TGA) were proposed as the recyclable bicatalysts due to their roles as effective adsorption and catalyst esterification, respectively. Overall, the present study demonstrated that the simultaneous conversion of glucose to PLA via microwave treatment offers great potential towards the sustainable and economically viable production of PLA polymers. A thorough study is required to optimize this process, and future studies should focus on scaling up the system. Sustainable production of PLA would be able to drive the demand for this polymer in the industry while supporting Sustainable Development Goal 12 towards responsible consumption and production.