A review on biorefining of palm oil and sugar cane agro-industrial residues by bacteria into commercially viable bioplastics and biosurfactants

Abstract

The growing concerns on the rising population, global economy, food safety and environmental pollution have given impetus to the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and biosurfactant, biodegradable alternatives to petrochemical plastics and surfactants, respectively. However, the application of these compounds is limited due to processing costs. Carbon sources represent half of the PHA and biosurfactant fermentation cost, therefore it is of interest to recycle agro-industrial waste as renewable carbon sources, such as palm oil and sugar cane production waste. This review aimed to provide insight on the utilisation of molasses and sweetwater from sugar cane and palm oil as carbon substrates for PHA and biosurfactant production, as well as providing examples of the application of such compounds. sugar cane and palm oil by-products are feasible as inexpensive feed for the PHA and biosurfactant production. Moreover, since sugar cane and palm oil plants are cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas, utilising these wastes can instil the circular economy spirit in line with the Sustainable Development Goals proposed by the United Nations.