Biotechnology for Biofuels and Bioproducts is calling for submissions to our Collection on Microalgae for sustainable production of bioplastics.
Microalgae have been identified as a promising source of bioplastics due to their high growth rates and ability to produce a variety of biodegradable and renewable polymers. These organisms are particularly interesting as a source of bioplastics because they can be grown using a variety of low-cost, non-arable land, and non-potable water resources. The production of bioplastics involves the cultivation of the microalgae in bioreactors under controlled conditions, followed by the extraction of the biopolymer from the biomass. The extracted polymers can be processed into various forms of bioplastics, including films, coatings, and biodegradable packaging. Research into the production of bioplastics from microalgae is ongoing, and several challenges need to be addressed, including improving the efficiency of production, optimizing cultivation conditions, and developing cost-effective extraction and processing methods. Despite these challenges, the potential of microalgae as a source of bioplastics is significant, and continued research and development in this area could lead to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plastics.
This special collection of Biotechnology for Biofuels aims to gather high-quality research outcomes on the recent advances in the use of microalgae for bioplastic production. Specifically, the collection will cover the following topics (but are not limited to): production, extraction, purification, characterization, and optimization of bioplastics production (co-polymerization, Plasticizers and Compatibilizers for example polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), etc. and their industrial applications. The research focused on techno-economic analysis and life-cycle assessment of bioplastic production using microalgae is also encouraged.