The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

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.