Progress and perspective on algal plastics - A critical review

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Sustainable Polymers
• Microalgal Biotechnology

Background:

• Growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives to fossil fuel-based plastics.
• Microalgae and seaweed are rich sources of biopolymers like alginate and carrageenan.
• Limited understanding of algal strain selection, cultivation, and bioplastic fabrication processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in utilizing seaweed polysaccharides for bio-based plastics.
• To present a biorefinery framework for producing algal plastics from microalgae.
• To critically analyze factors influencing bioplastic performance and composite mechanisms.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of seaweed polysaccharides (alginate, carrageenan) for bioplastics.
• Conceptual framework development for microalgal biorefineries.
• Analysis of biocomposite mechanisms and performance variations.

Main Results:

• Seaweed polysaccharides show significant potential for bio-based plastic production.
• A biorefinery approach can utilize diverse microalgal components (lipids, carbohydrates, proteins).
• Understanding biocomposite mechanisms is crucial for optimizing plastic properties.

Conclusions:

• Algal plastics offer a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics.
• Further research in strain selection, cultivation, and fabrication is needed.
• This review provides insights to advance the commercial viability of algal plastics.