Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) have evolved into versatile biopolymers, transcending their origins as mere bioplastics. This extensive review delves into the multifaceted landscape of PHA applications, shedding light on the diverse industries that have harnessed their potential. PHA has proven to be an invaluable eco-conscious option for packaging materials, finding use in films foams, paper coatings and even straws. In the textile industry, PHA offers a sustainable alternative, while its application as a carbon source for denitrification in wastewater treatment showcases its versatility in environmental remediation. In addition, PHA has made notable contributions to the medical and consumer sectors, with various roles ranging from 3D printing, tissue engineering implants, and cell growth matrices to drug delivery carriers, and cosmetic products. Through metabolic engineering efforts, PHA can be fine-tuned to align with the specific requirements of each industry, enabling the customization of material properties such as ductility, elasticity, thermal conductivity, and transparency. To unleash PHA's full potential, bridging the gap between research and commercial viability is paramount. Successful PHA production scale-up hinges on establishing direct supply chains to specific application domains, including packaging, food and beverage materials, medical devices, and agriculture. This review underscores that PHA's future rests on ongoing exploration across these industries and more, paving the way for PHA to supplant conventional plastics and foster a circular economy.

聚羟基脂肪酸酯 (PHA) 已发展成为多功能生物聚合物，超越了其单纯生物塑料的起源。这篇广泛的综述深入探讨了 PHA 应用的多方面前景，揭示了利用其潜力的各个行业。事实证明，PHA 是一种非常宝贵的环保包装材料选择，可用于薄膜泡沫、纸张涂层甚至吸管。在纺织行业，PHA 提供了一种可持续的替代方案，而其作为废水处理反硝化碳源的应用展示了其在环境修复方面的多功能性。此外，PHA 还为医疗和消费领域做出了显着的贡献，发挥着从 3D 打印、组织工程植入物、细胞生长基质到药物输送载体和化妆品等各种作用。通过代谢工程工作，可以对 PHA 进行微调，以满足每个行业的具体要求，从而实现延展性、弹性、导热性和透明度等材料特性的定制。为了充分发挥 PHA 的潜力，弥合研究与商业可行性之间的差距至关重要。成功的 PHA 生产规模扩大取决于建立特定应用领域的直接供应链，包括包装、食品和饮料材料、医疗器械和农业。本次审查强调，PHA 的未来取决于这些行业及其他行业的持续探索，为 PHA 取代传统塑料和培育循环经济铺平道路。