Research Article Open Access

Poly (3-Hydroxyalkanoates): Biodegradable Plastics

Abstract

During the 1920’s, a polyester called poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) was discovered in bacterial cells. This compound, otherwise known as PHB, is part of a polyester family called polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). Polyhydroxyalkanoates are used as an energy and carbon storage compound within certain bacterial cells. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are thermoplastic, biodegradable polyesters synthesized by some bacteria from renewable carbon sources. However, their application is limited by high production cost. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) have attracted research and commercial interests worldwide because they can be used as biodegradable thermoplastics and also because they can be produced from renewable resources. This review will present an overview on synthesis and degradation of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), development as biodegradable plastics and its potential production from renewable resources such as palm oil products.

Surbhi Jain, AK Singh, and Archana Tiwari.

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