Preparation of polyhydroxyalkanoate nanocomposites for biomedical applications

Abstract

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) have been recognized as potential replacements for fossil fuel-based, non-biodegradable plastics. PHAs exhibit properties that are analogous to those of synthetic plastics. The production of PHAs offers a multitude of advantages, primarily due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility. The most naturally occurring form of PHAs are the polyhydroxybutyrates (P(3HB)s). The major limitations of P(3HB)s are their brittle nature and inferior mechanical properties. Hence, these biopolymers have been observed to have limited biotechnological applications. In contrast to P(3HB)s, copolymers of PHAs have almost all the desirable properties, making them suitable for high-end applications such as those in the medical sector. Structural modifications in PHA molecules have expanded the scope of their applications, including in medical implants, wound healing and bone grafts. It is noteworthy that considerable progress has been made in the field of PHA nanocomposites, which are now being explored for their biotechnological applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering and biosensors. The prospects for PHA nanocomposites are also summarized. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.