ABSTRACT
Expanding attention towards ecological and environmental contamination has created resurgence in enthusiasm regarding natural strategies for the generation of biodegradable polymers. Keeping an eye on the current situation, we find there is a dire need for the creation of biodegradable plastics, which will in turn open a path for novel waste management procedures. Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a biodegradable and physiologically acceptable thermoplastic produced by a group of microorganisms known as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). The most major impediment in the industrial manufacturing and subsequent aftermarket use of PHAs is the high cost of production. Raw material cost amounts to around 50% of price of the product, carbon source amounting to the main cost of production. PHA production from several food wastes has significant advantages, such as availability in abundance, no competition with food chain. The present chapter deals with the development of PHB-producing bacteria, bioprocess development for enhanced PHB production, extraction, and purification of PHB for different industrial applications. Industrial PHA production can be increased by using low-cost raw materials. Midsize and small-scale industries currently produce these low-cost raw materials. When compared to conventional plastics, such as polypropylene, PHB has been indicated by LCA as more environmentally friendly and beneficial.
