Recent Advances in Food Waste Transformations into Essential Bioplastic Materials

Molecules. 2024 Aug 13;29(16):3838. doi: 10.3390/molecules29163838.

Abstract

Lignocellulose is a major biopolymer in plant biomass with a complex structure and composition. It consists of a significant amount of high molecular aromatic compounds, particularly vanillin, syringeal, ferulic acid, and muconic acid, that could be converted into intracellular metabolites such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and hydroxybutyrate (PHB), a key component of bioplastic production. Several pre-treatment methods were utilized to release monosaccharides, which are the precursors of the relevant pathway. The consolidated bioprocessing of lignocellulose-capable microbes for biomass depolymerization was discussed in this study. Carbon can be stored in a variety of forms, including PHAs, PHBs, wax esters, and triacylglycerides. From a biotechnology standpoint, these compounds are quite adaptable due to their precursors' utilization of hydrogen energy. This study lays the groundwork for the idea of lignocellulose valorization into value-added products through several significant dominant pathways.

Keywords: bioplastics production; consolidated bioprocessing; kitchen waste; lignocellulose depolymerization; polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA); renewable aromatics.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomass
  • Biopolymers / chemistry
  • Biopolymers / metabolism
  • Food
  • Food Loss and Waste
  • Lignin* / chemistry
  • Lignin* / metabolism
  • Polyhydroxyalkanoates / biosynthesis
  • Polyhydroxyalkanoates / chemistry
  • Polyhydroxyalkanoates / metabolism
  • Waste Products

Substances

  • Lignin
  • lignocellulose
  • Polyhydroxyalkanoates
  • Waste Products
  • Biopolymers
  • Food Loss and Waste