Valorization of brown seaweed into next-generation alginate bioplastic films: Functional enhancements and smart...

The rising environmental challenges posed by conventional petroleum-derived plastics have intensified efforts to develop sustainable and biodegradable materials. Among biopolymers, alginate, an anionic polysaccharide predominantly extracted from brown seaweeds, has gained considerable attention as a viable precursor for bioplastic film fabrication. This review addresses the latest progress in renovating brown seaweed biomass into alginate-based bioplastics, focusing on cost-effective and environmentally benign extraction and processing techniques. Emphasis is placed on alginate's intrinsic structural and physicochemical characteristics that facilitate film formation, along with various approaches to enhance film performance by incorporating plasticizers, crosslinking agents, nanoscale reinforcements, and natural bioactive additives. Emerging research indicates that the mechanical strength, water barrier efficiency, antioxidant properties, and antimicrobial functionality of alginate films can be substantially improved by integrating functional additives. These enhancements increase film durability and reliability, broadening their applicability in active and smart packaging technologies. Additionally, the review underscores the environmental and economic advantages of utilizing brown seaweed residues as renewable feedstock, thereby promoting a circular bioeconomy framework. Collectively, alginate-based bioplastic films derived from marine resources present a sustainable, scalable alternative to synthetic plastics, with promising applications spanning active food packaging, biomedical packaging, and other environmentally friendly materials.