Biodegradable plastics are gaining attention as one of the solutions to marine plastic wastes, which are increasing every year. Among them, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) are known to exhibit particularly good marine biodegradability. In this review, to understand their excellent marine biodegradability, the biosynthesis of PHA and cutin, a natural analog of PCL, and the biodegradation of PHA and PCL in the carbon cycle in marine ecosystems are described.
- Miwa Suzuki
- Yuya Tachibana
- Ken-ichi Kasuya
