Abstract
The escalating demand for economical and durable materials has propelled plastics into an indispensable facet of daily human life, dominating commercial and industrial sectors. The global plastic production of 1.1 billion tons by 2050 exacerbates concerns. The COVID-19 pandemic has further intensified the issue, reaching an alarming 0.3–0.4 billion tons annually. Urgent action is imperative to curtail the drastic environmental impact. Various strategies, particularly microbial involvement in plastic production and degradation, must be implemented to address this. Poly-3-Hydroxybutyrate (PHB) microbial polyesters present a promising alternative to conventional plastics because of their biodegradable nature, thus offering a sustainable solution to plastic pollution. PHBs are employed in divergent industries, including agriculture, medicine, nanotechnology, food, and tissue engineering. This comprehensive review addresses the gap in the literature by encompassing a wide range of topics related to PHBs, their associated enzymes, metabolic pathways, and applications. It also provides an in-depth analysis, highlighting the significance of diverse microbial communities in both the synthesis and degradation of biopolymers. Strategies for augmenting PHA production and leveraging waste products for circular economy initiatives are also discussed, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to address the global plastic crisis.Top of Form This review highlights two critical strategies for tackling plastic pollution: introducing alternative materials like bioplastics and leveraging biological recycling with microbial assistance. Adopting bio-based circular economy strategies, implementing comprehensive 6 R waste management practices, strengthening plastic pollution regulations, and raising social awareness can significantly improve eco-friendly plastic waste management, diminish pollution, and enhance socio-economic conditions, thus benefiting economies worldwide.
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