Microbial synthesis and degradation of bio-based biodegradable plastics.

Microorganisms' genetic capacity for bio-based plastic synthesis and degradation is widespread but often inefficient under real-world conditions.

• Why it matters: Advancing a circular plastics economy depends on integrating microbial production and biodegradation processes, which are currently studied separately, limiting system development.
• What they did: The review examines microbial roles in producing and breaking down key bio-polymers, including polyhydroxyalkanoates, bacterial nanocellulose, and monomers like polylactic acid and polyethylene furanoate, highlighting current capabilities and limitations.
• The result: Achieving an effective circular bio-based plastics system requires multidisciplinary efforts to optimize microbial engineering, polymer chemistry, and material properties, addressing low productivity and environmental constraints.