Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate: A Biodegradable Polyester, Biosynthesis and Biodegradation

Bioplastic can be degraded in nature with time and produce carbon dioxide as an end product. It reduces the environmental pollution created by synthetic plastic. Biodegradable plastic can be used to make plastic bags and also have application in medical field like in formation of bone implants. Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate is a microbial polymer formed inside the bacterial cell and commercially important in formation of biodegradable plastic. In this review we tried to summarized identification, biosynthesis, metabolism, biodegradability and applications of PHB. Information summarized in review can lead to design many experiments to increase production of bacterial polymer as valuable renewable products.