Cyanobacteria Microbiomes for Bioplastic Production: A Critical Review of Key Factors and Challenges in Scaling from Laboratory to Industry Set-Ups

Abstract

Cyanobacteria are photoautotrophic microorganisms capable of accumulating polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) under nutrient-limited conditions. A novel approach for PHB production involves the exploration of cyanobacterial microbiomes, offering potential cost reductions through production under non-sterile conditions and with non-pure substrates. Although still in its early stages, research in this area shows significant promise for achieving high PHB yields and sustained synthesis over time. However, managing the microbiome population dynamics in non-sterile environments requires effective monitoring and control. This review covers PHB production by cyanobacteria microbiomes, from sample procurement to laboratory-scale production. It highlights recent insights into optimizing cultivation parameters for enhanced biopolymer yield. Strategies to overcome challenges in PHB production are evaluated, emphasizing integrated methodologies combining molecular biology techniques with quantitative and qualitative PHB analysis. Finally, key challenges in scaling up production to industrial-scale scenarios are discussed, along with potential solutions to support the development of sustainable industrial processes.

Keywords: Polyhydroxyalkanoate, Polyhydroxybutyrate, photosynthetic bacteria, microbial community, optimization, bioproducts, Biopolymer