Solid-state Fermentation for the production of Poly(hydroxyalkanoates)

Abstract

Poly(hydroxyalkanoates) (PHAs) can be synthesized by adopting different microbial fermentation strategies, of which submerged fermentation has been exploited largely. In the past few years, solid-state fermentation (SSF) has been reassessed as an alternative to submerged fermentation, and could be a possible strategy for the cost-effective production of PHAs. The capital investment for SSF is usually lower than that of submerged fermentation and the cost of raw materials for SSF would be cheap, since it uses waste agricultural residues. These positive factors make SSF a potential technique for PHAs production. However, this method is still too immature for commercialization. The major drawback to address is the proper maintenance of the culture conditions under SSF. The present review discusses the current developments in solid-state fermentation for the production of PHAs and addresses the various issues for its commercialization.