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<p>Plastic pollution, particularly from non-biodegradable sources in aquatic ecosystems, poses a serious threat to both the environment and human health. Microplastics are secondary fragments of plastic that are mostly found everywhere, and upon exposure to humans, could result in severe health effects. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focuses on reducing plastic waste, specifically SDG 14, which emphasizes life below water. This review examines biodegradable materials being advantageous over nonbiodegradable polymers. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a unique class of biodegradable polymers that show promising potential in combating microplastic pollution caused by nonbiodegradable plastic. Along with the types, microbial production of PHA using different carbon sources and biodegradability testing standards of biopolymers are discussed in this review. It includes the biodegradation of PHA due to the enzymatic activity of intracellular and extracellular enzymes like PHA depolymerase. Commercial manufacturers of PHA are expanding biotechnological techniques using microbial fermentation for PHA production. Overall, the article underlines the urgent need to transition towards biodegradable alternatives, such as PHAs, to minimize plastic pollution and enhance sustainability.</p>

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Polyhydroxyalkanoates as Biodegradable Polymers: A Review

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月9日

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  • Kalpesh Ravindra Gaikar,
  • Shambhavi Kiran Desai,
  • Seema Prabhudev Rodge

摘要

Plastic pollution, particularly from non-biodegradable sources in aquatic ecosystems, poses a serious threat to both the environment and human health. Microplastics are secondary fragments of plastic that are mostly found everywhere, and upon exposure to humans, could result in severe health effects. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focuses on reducing plastic waste, specifically SDG 14, which emphasizes life below water. This review examines biodegradable materials being advantageous over nonbiodegradable polymers. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a unique class of biodegradable polymers that show promising potential in combating microplastic pollution caused by nonbiodegradable plastic. Along with the types, microbial production of PHA using different carbon sources and biodegradability testing standards of biopolymers are discussed in this review. It includes the biodegradation of PHA due to the enzymatic activity of intracellular and extracellular enzymes like PHA depolymerase. Commercial manufacturers of PHA are expanding biotechnological techniques using microbial fermentation for PHA production. Overall, the article underlines the urgent need to transition towards biodegradable alternatives, such as PHAs, to minimize plastic pollution and enhance sustainability.