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The global shift towards sustainable materials has heightened interest in biopolymers as viable alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastics. This review critically evaluates major classes of bio-based polymers, including polyhydroxyalkanoates, γ-polyglutamic acid, polylactic acid, polybutylene succinate, polyethylene furanoate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, and various bioplastics derived from bacteria, cellulose, proteins, and lipids. It examines their physicochemical properties, production efficiencies, and practical applications. The review emphasizes microbial and biomass-derived feedstocks, as well as strategies for optimizing production processes. It further explores the integration of biopolymers in packaging, agriculture, biomedical engineering, consumer goods, and environmental applications. Biopolymers offer significant advantages, such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, and alignment with circular economy principles. However, challenges remain regarding production costs, scalability, and performance compared with synthetic polymers. Overall, this article highlights the transformative potential of biopolymers in fostering a sustainable materials economy while identifying key research and industrial gaps that must be addressed to enable widespread adoption.
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Bhatia et al. (2026) studied this question.