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Peer-reviewedCC BY-NC-NDApplied microbiology and biotechnology

Integrating microbial fermentation and polymerization for sustainable polylactic acid production.

  • Mamata Singhvi1
  • Takeshi Zendo2
  • Sejal Shirke3
  1. 1Department of Biotechnology (With Jointly Merged Institute of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology), Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411007, India. [email protected].
  2. 2Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Graduate School, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-Ku, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan.
  3. 3Department of Biotechnology (With Jointly Merged Institute of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology), Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411007, India.
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Abstract

Replacing petroleum-based plastics with sustainable alternatives requires economically viable biomanufacturing routes. This review comprehensively assimilates two critical pillars of bio-based polymer development: the microbial synthesis of lactic acid (LA) and its subsequent polymerization into polylactic acid (PLA). The first section critically examines advancements in the eco-friendly production of LA from renewable substrates through microbial fermentation. It highlights recent breakthroughs in metabolic engineering, process optimization, and cleaner downstream purification techniques to achieve high optical purity and yield. The second section focuses on the conversion of LA into PLA, detailing synthesis mechanisms via direct condensation and ring-opening polymerization (ROP). The manuscript evaluates the intricate relationships between PLA's structural, thermal, and mechanical properties, alongside state-of-the-art processing technologies such as 3D/4D printing and electrospinning. By addressing prevailing bottlenecks-specifically the high cost of raw materials and the precise control of degradation rates-this review provides a strategic roadmap for the sustainable, large-scale production of PLA, aligning bio-based polymer development with shifting environmental and commercial demands. KEY POINTS: • Microbial routes boost sustainable, high-purity lactic acid production. • Advances in PLA polymerization enhance material performance and applications. • Lignocellulosic biomass enables low-cost, eco-friendly LA and PLA production.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{singhvi2026integrating,
  title = {{Integrating microbial fermentation and polymerization for sustainable polylactic acid production.}},
  author = {Mamata Singhvi and Takeshi Zendo and Sejal Shirke},
  journal = {Applied microbiology and biotechnology},
  year = {2026},
  month = jul,
  doi = {10.1007/s00253-026-13935-6},
  url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42897297},
  note = {CC BY-NC-ND},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Integrating microbial fermentation and polymerization for sustainable polylactic acid production.
AU  - Mamata Singhvi
AU  - Takeshi Zendo
AU  - Sejal Shirke
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/07/01
JO  - Applied microbiology and biotechnology
DO  - 10.1007/s00253-026-13935-6
UR  - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42897297
AB  - Replacing petroleum-based plastics with sustainable alternatives requires economically viable biomanufacturing routes. This review comprehensively assimilates two critical pillars of bio-based polymer development: the microbial synthesis of lactic acid (LA) and its subsequent polymerization into polylactic acid (PLA). The first section critically examines advancements in the eco-friendly production of LA from renewable substrates through microbial fermentation. It highlights recent breakthroughs in metabolic engineering, process optimization, and cleaner downstream purification techniques to achieve high optical purity and yield. The second section focuses on the conversion of LA into PLA, detailing synthesis mechanisms via direct condensation and ring-opening polymerization (ROP). The manuscript evaluates the intricate relationships between PLA's structural, thermal, and mechanical properties, alongside state-of-the-art processing technologies such as 3D/4D printing and electrospinning. By addressing prevailing bottlenecks-specifically the high cost of raw materials and the precise control of degradation rates-this review provides a strategic roadmap for the sustainable, large-scale production of PLA, aligning bio-based polymer development with shifting environmental and commercial demands. KEY POINTS: • Microbial routes boost sustainable, high-purity lactic acid production. • Advances in PLA polymerization enhance material performance and applications. • Lignocellulosic biomass enables low-cost, eco-friendly LA and PLA production.
SN  - 0175-7598
SN  - 1432-0614
ER  -