The rapid growth of urban areas and industries has led to a significant increase in plastic waste, causing environmental harm and health risks. The production of plastics, such as polyvinyl chloride and polypropylene, has resulted in millions of tons of waste, with only a small portion being recycled or properly disposed of. Bioplastics, on the other hand, are considered a more sustainable alternative and are produced from renewable sources such as plant-based materials. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a type of bioplastic that has gained attention due to their biodegradable and biocompatible properties.
PHAs can be produced through fermentation using microorganisms such as bacteria and yeast. The process is challenging, but advancements have been made in optimizing production using robust organisms and optimizing fermentation conditions. Recently, the use of halophilic microorganisms has emerged as a promising approach for producing PHAs from renewable waste substrates. These microorganisms can convert complex organic waste into biodegradable polymers, reducing waste and promoting sustainable production. This review discusses the potential of using halophilic microorganisms for PHA production from organic waste, as well as the development of metabolic engineering approaches and fermentation conditions for improving PHA synthesis. Overall, the development of sustainable and cost-effective PHA production methods is crucial for reducing plastic waste and promoting environmental sustainability.