Microalgal Bioprocessing of Fruit Peel Waste for Sustainable Bioplastics

The increasing volume of agro-industrial waste and the detrimental impact of conventional plastics on the environment necessitate the development of sustainable, integrated bioprocessing solutions. This study focuses on using fruit peel waste as an affordable substrate for the growth of microalgae, specifically Chlorella and Spirulina, to produce biodegradable bioplastics and agricultural bioinputs. Fruit peel hydrolysates rich in fermentable sugars and nutrients will be employed to enhance microalgal growth under optimal conditions, while nutrient stress will be applied to encourage the accumulation of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). The collected biomass will be processed for polymer extraction and characterization using state-of-the-art analytical techniques. After extraction, plant growth tests will be used to evaluate the remaining biomass, which will next be studied as a nutrient-rich biofertilizer.

By addressing waste management, sustainable bioplastic manufacturing, and improving soil health all at once, this integrated method seeks to create an economical and environmentally friendly biorefinery model. The results of this study are expected to support sustainable farming methods, reduce reliance on fossil-fuel-derived plastics, and aid in the development of circular bioeconomy frameworks.