ABSTRACT
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), the green plastics produced from microorganisms, are stored in the cytoplasm of microorganisms as energy storage material. These are synthesized by bacterial fermentation from bio-based feedstocks, such as agricultural and industrial wastes, and are thus a viable alternative to petroleum-based plastics. The production of PHAs is influenced by various factors, including nutrient sources, bacterial strains, fermentation conditions, purification, and recovery methods. Different monomers constituting PHAs cause a difference in mechanical and thermal properties and chemical composition. Some polymers from the PHA family are comparable to polypropylene, such as PHB, which shows good moisture resistance and gas barrier properties. The unique combination of biocompatibility, biodegradability, and thermal and mechanical properties makes PHA a good choice for various applications, such as in packaging, paper coating, adhesives, films, device development and drug delivery, and artificial organ development in medical industries. This chapter discusses the production of PHA using various microorganisms, their properties, including thermal, mechanical, and biodegradable, and their application in packaging.
