Polylactic acid synthesis, biodegradability, conversion to microplastics and toxicity: a review

Abstract Global pollution by plastics derived from petroleum has fostered the development of carbon–neutral, biodegradable bioplastics synthesized renewable resources such as modern biomass, yet knowledge on impact ecosystems is limited. Here we review polylactic acid plastic with focus synthesis, biodegradability tuning, environmental conversion to microplastics, and microbes, algae, phytoplankton, zooplankton, annelids, mollusk fish. Polylactic a low weight semi-crystalline bioplastic used in agriculture, medicine, packaging textile. one most widely biopolymers, accounting for 33% all produced 2021. Although vivo , not completely degradable under natural conditions, notably aquatic conditions. disintegrates into microplastics faster than petroleum-based may pose severe threats exposed biota.