Microbial protein-derived bioplastics from renewable substrates: pathways, challenges, and applications in a circular economy.

ABSTRACT: Microbial protein (MP)-the protein-rich biomass derived from recovered or virgin resources-is attracting interest as a source of food and feed. However, its potential as a feedstock for protein-based bioplastics remains underexplored. Proteins offer desirable properties, including superior oxygen-barrier capabilities and complete biodegradability, making them ideal for applications from food packaging to agricultural mulches. Currently, most protein-based bioplastics derive from crops such as wheat, restricting applications and competing with food production. MP can overcome these limitations by supplying diverse proteins from various inputs, including CO₂, biomass, and liquid side-streams. In this review, we evaluate bioprocessing pathways for producing MP from renewable and wa

SUBMITTER: Sakarika M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12703861 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature