Polyhydroxyalkanoate

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) is a family of biodegradable thermoplastic polyesters synthesized by bacterial fermentation, offering a bio-based alternative to conventional petroleum-derived plastics. PHAs are used in packaging, biomedical implants, and agricultural films where biodegradability and compostability are critical requirements; they are notable for their ability to degrade in marine and terrestrial environments, making them suitable for applications where persistent plastic pollution is a concern, though they typically command higher material costs and may require specialized processing conditions compared to commodity polymers.