Sustainable microbial production of biodegradable polymer PHA from renewable sources
발표자
고자경 (한국과학기술연구원)
연구책임자
고자경 (한국과학기술연구원)
초록
내용
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are emerging as promising eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastics due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility. In this study, a sustainable microbial platform for PHA production was developed using Cupriavidus necator H16 to convert various renewable carbon sources including CO2, polyethylene (PE) waste, and lignocellulsoic biomass into PHA. Through the integration of solar-powered bioelectrochemical systems and biocompatible catalysts, efficient CO₂-to-PHA conversion was achieved. Notably, oxidized PE derivatives were directly utilized as feedstocks for PHA biosynthesis, enabling the upcycling of recalcitrant plastic waste into biodegradable polymer materials. This work demonstrates a scalable, carbon-neutral route for producing biodegradable polymers from waste carbon streams, offering new opportunities in sustainable polymer design and circular materials economy.