Engineered yeast for the production of bioplastics

Plastic are among the most popular products in the modern era due to their distinct properties, which compel their use in all aspects of life. Plastics are made from petroleum-based materials, despite the depletion and scarcity of fossil fuels. Massive amounts of plastic waste have accumulated, contaminating various ecosystems. As a result, a novel eco-friendly alternative, such as bioplastics, is required. Polyhydroxybutyrate, which is biosynthesized and used as a carbon energy source by certain microbes under harsh environmental conditions, could be an excellent alternative to conventional plastics. The ability of yeasts to convert various carbon sources into primary metabolites is well known. Because of their advantages over plants, bacteria, and other microorganisms, there is growing interest in metabolic engineering yeasts as a cell factory to produce bioplastic monomers. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss bioplastic biosynthesis in yeasts, as well as current developments and challenges.