Microalgae-based bioplastics: Future solution towards mitigation of plastic wastes
Issued Date
2022-04-15
Resource Type
ISSN
00139351
eISSN
10960953
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85123163514
Pubmed ID
34968431
Journal Title
Environmental Research
Volume
206
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Environmental Research Vol.206 (2022)
Suggested Citation
Roy Chong J.W., Tan X., Khoo K.S., Ng H.S., Jonglertjunya W., Yew G.Y., Show P.L. Microalgae-based bioplastics: Future solution towards mitigation of plastic wastes. Environmental Research Vol.206 (2022). doi:10.1016/j.envres.2021.112620 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/83760
Title
Microalgae-based bioplastics: Future solution towards mitigation of plastic wastes
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Global demand for plastic materials has severely harm the environment and marine sea life. Therefore, bioplastics have emerged as an environmentally friendly alternative due to sustainability, minimal carbon footprint, less toxicity and high degradability. This review highlights the sustainable and environmentally friendly approach towards bioplastic production by utilizing microalgae as a feed source in several ways. First, the microalgae biomass obtained through the biorefinery approach can be processed into PHA under certain nutrient limitations. Additionally, microalgae biomass can act as potential filler and reinforcement towards the enhancement of bioplastic either blending with conventional bioplastic or synthetic polymer. The downstream processing of microalgae via suitable extraction and pre-treatment of bioactive compounds such as lipids and cellulose are found to be promising for the production of bioplastics. Moving on, the intermediate processing of bioplastic via lactic acid synthesized from microalgae has favoured the microwave-assisted synthesis of polylactic acid due to cost efficiency, minimum solvent usage, low energy consumption, and fast rate of reaction. Moreover, the reliability and effectiveness of microalgae-based bioplastics are further evaluated in terms of techno-economic analysis and degradation mechanism. Future improvement and recommendations are listed towards proper genetic modification of algae strains, large-scale biofilm technology, low-cost cultivation medium, and novel avocado seed-microalgae bioplastic blend.