Clever Microorganisms in Biotechnology: From Wastes to High-Value Biopolymers

Dear Colleagues,

The effects of petrochemical-derived plastics on the global environment and the need for new polymers with unique properties have paved the way for developing novel technologies for the production of a wide range of biopolymers. Biopolymers, such as bacterial cellulose, exopolysaccharides, polyhydroxyalkanoates, dextran and alginates, are bioproducts utilized in industrial applications. There is a growing interest in producing bioproducts from renewable resources using microorganisms. Such substrates could be waste materials that create problems in waste management and water pollution. Many microbes have become  efficient cell factories for biopolymer production due to their metabolic versatility and a remarkable tolerance to a wide range of carbon sources. This Special Issue intends to cover the latest developments in the microbial synthesis of biopolymers using waste streams. 

Topics may include  (but are not limited to):

• The utilization of wastes for biopolymer production by pure, recombinant and mixed microbial cultures; 
• New approaches to the sustainable production of biopolymers; 
• Novel microbes as biopolymers producers; 
• Novel biopolymers’ characterization and their applications.

Prof. Dr. Justyna Możejko-Ciesielska
Dr. Prasun Kumar
Guest Editors

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