Bacterial PHB Synthesis Using Agricultural Waste for Bioplastics

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a biodegradable and renewable biopolymer with the potential for sustainable plastic production. This study explores the utilization of agricultural waste streams as feedstock for PHB synthesis through bacterial fermentation, addressing both plastic pollution and agricultural waste valorization. Approximately 90 million tons of oil-equivalent agricultural waste remain underutilized, presenting a viable source for biopolymer production. PHB accumulation was optimal with glucose as a carbon source and peptone as a nitrogen source. Pretreated sugarcane bagasse, maize cob, teff straw, and banana peel also supported PHB biosynthesis. Targeting specific bacterial metabolic pathways enhances waste-to-PHB conversion, contributing to economic and environmental sustainability. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the presence of C–H, CH₂, C=O, and C–O functional groups. Biodegradability assessment and UV-Vis spectrophotometric analysis validated PHB’s potential for biopla