8 May 2024 | Adegoke I. Adetunji and Mariana Erasmus
This review discusses the green synthesis of bioplastics from microalgae, highlighting their potential as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics. Microalgae are a promising feedstock due to their rapid growth, high biomass yield, and ability to thrive in non-arable environments. Various biopolymers, including polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), polylactic acid (PLA), polyurethane (PU), cellulose-based, starch-based, and protein-based bioplastics, can be produced from microalgae under different culture conditions. Techniques such as genetic engineering, metabolic engineering, photobioreactors, response surface methodology, and artificial intelligence are used to enhance microalgae for efficient bioplastic production. Bioplastics are biodegradable, biocompatible, recyclable, non-toxic, and eco-friendly, with robust mechanical and thermoplastic properties. They are suitable for applications in agriculture, construction, healthcare, electronics, and packaging. The review also discusses strategies for large-scale bioplastic production, life cycle assessment, end-of-life management, and challenges in industrial-scale production. Microalgae-derived bioplastics are economically viable, highly recyclable, and have a smaller carbon footprint compared to conventional plastics. However, they face challenges such as brittleness, low melt strength, and weak barrier properties. The review emphasizes the importance of optimizing bioplastic production through advanced techniques and sustainable practices to promote a circular bioeconomy.This review discusses the green synthesis of bioplastics from microalgae, highlighting their potential as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics. Microalgae are a promising feedstock due to their rapid growth, high biomass yield, and ability to thrive in non-arable environments. Various biopolymers, including polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), polylactic acid (PLA), polyurethane (PU), cellulose-based, starch-based, and protein-based bioplastics, can be produced from microalgae under different culture conditions. Techniques such as genetic engineering, metabolic engineering, photobioreactors, response surface methodology, and artificial intelligence are used to enhance microalgae for efficient bioplastic production. Bioplastics are biodegradable, biocompatible, recyclable, non-toxic, and eco-friendly, with robust mechanical and thermoplastic properties. They are suitable for applications in agriculture, construction, healthcare, electronics, and packaging. The review also discusses strategies for large-scale bioplastic production, life cycle assessment, end-of-life management, and challenges in industrial-scale production. Microalgae-derived bioplastics are economically viable, highly recyclable, and have a smaller carbon footprint compared to conventional plastics. However, they face challenges such as brittleness, low melt strength, and weak barrier properties. The review emphasizes the importance of optimizing bioplastic production through advanced techniques and sustainable practices to promote a circular bioeconomy.