MARINE BIORESOURCES ARE A BOON FOR BIOPLASTIC PRODUCTION AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO CONVENTIONAL PLASTICS—A REVIEW

Abstract

The constant rise in global demand for plastic products has led to an uninterrupted increase in the production and utilization of petroleum-based conventional plastics. This has resulted in significant contamination of plastic waste due to its non-biodegradable nature, particularly within aquatic ecosystems, while the availability of petroleum resources is decreasing. Additionally, although bioplastics have been introduced as alternatives to traditional plastics, their primary production from plant sources has raised concerns regarding their harmful effects on ecosystems and human well-being. In response to these challenges, marine-based bioplastics have emerged as a promising and economically feasible solution to meet the growing demand for plastic products. Marine bioresource–based bioplastics possess favorable physicochemical properties and exhibit ease of degradation, making them attractive compounds for various applications. However, implementing marine bioplastics on a large scale requires further investigation. Therefore, the main objectives of this review are to emphasize the existing scientific gaps within the specific research area and clearly state the review’s objective view. Hence, this review provides a comprehensive summary of micro and microorganisms derived from marine resources for bioplastic production and explores potential applications in promoting human welfare without causing harm to the ecosystem.