10/07 13:30 Dr. Kesaven Bhubalan_Bacterial-derived Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) Bioplastic: A Biodegradable Substitute for Common Petrochemical-based Plastics and the Possible Impacts on Marine Environment
(Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystems)
Time：2022. 10. 07 Fri. 13:30
Venue: Auditorium, 1st Floor, Interdisciplinary Research Building
Speaker：Dr. Kesaven Bhubalan
Associate Professor
1. Faculty of Science and Marine Environment
2. Institute of Marine Biotechnology
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Malaysia
Title：Bacterial-derived Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) Bioplastic: A Biodegradable Substitute for Common Petrochemical-based Plastics and the Possible Impacts on Marine Environment
Host：Dr. Tzu-Hao Lin
Dr. Yi-Ta Shao
Abstract
Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) is a bacteria–derived biodegradable polymer with material properties similar to common petrochemical-based plastics. PHA is often considered as the eco-friendly substitute for common plastics. This biodegradable polymer is produced by some bacteria under limited nutrient condition and in the presence of excess carbon source. The PHA is completely biodegradable and non-toxic. The bioprocess development of PHA bioplastic involves statistical optimization in shaken-flasks cultures and scale-up production in fermenters. Agro-industrial by-products from sugar cane refining processes and oleochemical industries are used as the renewable carbon sources for production. The potential applications of PHA encompass various fields including aquaculture, agriculture, medical and pharmaceutical sciences. The use of PHA as biodegradable micro-exfoliating agent in cosmetics and its fate in marine organism is being investigated as potential replacement of plastic-based beads and solution for microplastic contamination. The sustainability in PHA production and applications emphasizes waste-to-wealth concept of eco-friendly materials and progress towards managing plastic pollution.
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