Polyhydroxyalkanoate production from food industry residual streams using mixed microbial cultures

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) as the next-generation bio-based polymers offer a renewable alternative to traditional petroleum-based counterparts. They can be derived from a wide variety of high carbon content feedstocks including food, biofuel, agricultural products, and carbon dioxide. PHAs have the potential to replace petroleum-based polymers in nearly every function from packaging and single use to durable products. PHAs have been marketed as environmentally friendly bioplastics with less CO₂ emission, and enhanced sustainability, as well as independence from petroleum sources. Limitations in both cost efficiency and performance of state-of-the-art PHAs have been obstacles for the commercial application of these promising biopolymers. In this chapter, PHA production from food wastes/wastewaters is evaluated with a focus on renewable feedstocks, enrichment strategies for mixed microbial cultures, pretreatment, downstream processes, and pilot-scale applications.