Department of Chemical Engineering, Toronto Metropolitan University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3, Canada.
Research and Innovation Department, Sensofine Inc., Innovation Boost Zone (IBZ), Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C2, Canada.
Biomacromolecules. 2024 May 13;25(5):2679-2700. doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00090. Epub 2024 Apr 24.
Using petroleum-derived plastics has contributed significantly to environmental issues, such as greenhouse gas emissions and the accumulation of plastic waste in ecosystems. Researchers have focused on developing ecofriendly polymers as alternatives to traditional plastics to address these concerns. This review provides a comprehensive overview of medium-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoates (mcl-PHAs), biodegradable biopolymers produced by microorganisms that show promise in replacing conventional plastics. The review discusses the classification, properties, and potential substrates of less studied mcl-PHAs, highlighting their greater ductility and flexibility compared to poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), a well-known but brittle PHA. The authors summarize existing research to emphasize the potential applications of mcl-PHAs in biomedicine, packaging, biocomposites, water treatment, and energy. Future research should focus on improving production techniques, ensuring economic viability, and addressing challenges associated with industrial implementation. Investigating the biodegradability, stability, mechanical properties, durability, and cost-effectiveness of mcl-PHA-based products compared to petroleum-based counterparts is crucial. The future of mcl-PHAs looks promising, with continued research expected to optimize production techniques, enhance material properties, and expand applications. Interdisciplinary collaborations among microbiologists, engineers, chemists, and materials scientists will drive progress in this field. In conclusion, this review serves as a valuable resource to understand mcl-PHAs as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics. However, further research is needed to optimize production methods, evaluate long-term ecological impacts, and assess the feasibility and viability in various industries.
使用石油衍生塑料对环境问题，如温室气体排放和生态系统中塑料废物的积累，造成了重大影响。研究人员专注于开发环保型聚合物作为传统塑料的替代品，以解决这些问题。本综述全面介绍了中链长度聚羟基脂肪酸酯（mcl-PHA），这是一种由微生物产生的可生物降解的生物聚合物，有望替代传统塑料。综述讨论了较少研究的 mcl-PHA 的分类、性质和潜在底物，突出了它们与聚（3-羟基丁酸酯）相比的更大延展性和灵活性，聚（3-羟基丁酸酯）是一种众所周知但易碎的 PHA。作者总结了现有的研究，强调了 mcl-PHA 在生物医学、包装、生物复合材料、水处理和能源等领域的潜在应用。未来的研究应侧重于改进生产技术、确保经济可行性，并解决与工业实施相关的挑战。研究 mcl-PHA 基产品与石油基产品相比的生物降解性、稳定性、机械性能、耐用性和成本效益至关重要。mcl-PHA 的未来前景广阔，预计将继续研究以优化生产技术、增强材料性能并扩大应用。微生物学家、工程师、化学家和材料科学家之间的跨学科合作将推动该领域的进展。总之，本综述为理解 mcl-PHA 作为传统塑料的可持续替代品提供了有价值的资源。然而，需要进一步研究以优化生产方法、评估长期生态影响，并评估在各个行业的可行性和实用性。
