Cited by 143biodegradable polymer synthesis and propertiesMicroplastics and Plastic PollutionAlgal biology and biofuel production

Microalgae-based bioplastics: Future solution towards mitigation of plastic wastes

Roy Chong, Jun Wei, Tan, Xuefei, Khoo, Kuan Shiong, Ng, Hui Suan, Jonglertjunya, Woranart, Yew, Guo Yong, Show, Pau Loke·2022·Environmental Research

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.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112620

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Authors
Roy Chong, J. W., Tan, X., Khoo, K. S., Ng, H. S., Jonglertjunya, W., Yew, G. Y., & Show, P. L.
Affiliations
  • Harbin Institute of Technology (CN)
  • UCSI University (MY)
  • Mahidol University (TH)
  • University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (MY)
  • University of Nottingham (GB)
Corresponding author
  • Tan, Xuefei
  • Khoo, Kuan Shiong
  • Show, Pau Loke
Venue
Environmental Research
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2022-04
Volume
206
Pages
112620
ISSN
0013-9351 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4200253062
Cited by
142
References
139
Citations by year
2026: 22 · 2025: 30 · 2024: 42 · 2023: 30 · 2022: 18
FWCI
1.55
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Environmental Research (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
University Nursing Program for Young Scholar with Creative Talents in Heilongjiang Province (UNPYSCT-2020050)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Materials Science › Biomaterials › biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Pollution › Microplastics and Plastic Pollution
  • Physical Sciences › Energy › Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment › Algal biology and biofuel production
Keywords
polyhydroxyalkanoates, microalgae biorefinery, microalgal lipid extraction, lactic acid production, bioplastic degradation, techno-economic analysis, biofilm cultivation
MeSH terms
Plastics, Polymers, Reproducibility of Results, Biomass, Biofuels, Microalgae

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