This mini-review provides an overview of bio-based polymers, focusing on their production methods, properties, and potential applications. Bio-based polymers, derived from renewable sources such as plants and microbes, offer a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based polymers, which have dominated the market due to their economic advantages but pose environmental concerns. The review highlights three prominent bio-based polymers: polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), and polyhydroxy polyamides (PHPAs). **Polylactic Acid (PLA):** - **Synthesis:** PLA is synthesized through direct polymerization of lactic acid or ring-opening polymerization of lactide monomer. - **Properties:** PLA is known for its high biodegradability and biocompatibility, but it is rigid and brittle at room temperature. It can be improved through plasticization with low-molecular-weight agents or blending with other polymers. - **Applications:** PLA is widely used in medical applications such as drug carriers, temporary implants, and bone-fixing elements, as well as in food packaging due to its transparency and biodegradability. **Polyhydroxy Alkanooates (PHAs):** - **Biosynthesis:** PHAs are produced by microorganisms under metabolic stress, primarily through the accumulation of hydroxyalkanoic acids. - **Properties:** PHAs exhibit a wide range of chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties, depending on the chain length and monomer composition. They can be modified physically, chemically, or biologically to enhance their properties. - **Applications:** PHAs are used in medicine for drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, and vaccine formulations, as well as in agriculture and packaging due to their biodegradability and non-toxic nature. **Polyhydroxy Polyamides (PHPAs):** - **Synthesis:** PHPAs are hydroxylated linear polyamides where the diacid monomer units are replaced by aldaric acids, derived from the oxidation of aldoses. - **Properties:** PHPAs exhibit improved biodegradability and environmental impact compared to traditional nylons. - **Applications:** PHPAs are being explored for their potential in various applications, including biodegradable packaging and biomedical materials. Despite their current limited market share, the growing awareness of environmental issues and advancements in technology are driving increased demand for bio-based polymers, positioning them as essential components in the transition towards a more sustainable future.This mini-review provides an overview of bio-based polymers, focusing on their production methods, properties, and potential applications. Bio-based polymers, derived from renewable sources such as plants and microbes, offer a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based polymers, which have dominated the market due to their economic advantages but pose environmental concerns. The review highlights three prominent bio-based polymers: polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), and polyhydroxy polyamides (PHPAs). **Polylactic Acid (PLA):** - **Synthesis:** PLA is synthesized through direct polymerization of lactic acid or ring-opening polymerization of lactide monomer. - **Properties:** PLA is known for its high biodegradability and biocompatibility, but it is rigid and brittle at room temperature. It can be improved through plasticization with low-molecular-weight agents or blending with other polymers. - **Applications:** PLA is widely used in medical applications such as drug carriers, temporary implants, and bone-fixing elements, as well as in food packaging due to its transparency and biodegradability. **Polyhydroxy Alkanooates (PHAs):** - **Biosynthesis:** PHAs are produced by microorganisms under metabolic stress, primarily through the accumulation of hydroxyalkanoic acids. - **Properties:** PHAs exhibit a wide range of chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties, depending on the chain length and monomer composition. They can be modified physically, chemically, or biologically to enhance their properties. - **Applications:** PHAs are used in medicine for drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, and vaccine formulations, as well as in agriculture and packaging due to their biodegradability and non-toxic nature. **Polyhydroxy Polyamides (PHPAs):** - **Synthesis:** PHPAs are hydroxylated linear polyamides where the diacid monomer units are replaced by aldaric acids, derived from the oxidation of aldoses. - **Properties:** PHPAs exhibit improved biodegradability and environmental impact compared to traditional nylons. - **Applications:** PHPAs are being explored for their potential in various applications, including biodegradable packaging and biomedical materials. Despite their current limited market share, the growing awareness of environmental issues and advancements in technology are driving increased demand for bio-based polymers, positioning them as essential components in the transition towards a more sustainable future.