The Blue Economy's Biopolymers: Using Marine Biomass to Develop Sustainable Polymers-Overview

Area of Science:

• Marine biotechnology
• Polymer science
• Sustainable materials

Background:

• Global plastic pollution necessitates sustainable alternatives.
• Marine biomass offers a renewable resource for biopolymer production.
• The blue economy framework supports sustainable marine resource utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential of marine biopolymers as substitutes for fossil fuel-based plastics.
• To explore extraction and processing techniques for marine biopolymers.
• To highlight applications and environmental benefits of marine biopolymers.

Main Methods:

• Extraction of polysaccharides, chitin, and collagen from marine biomass using alkaline and enzymatic treatments.
• Application of nanotechnology for polymer processing, including encapsulation.
• Evaluation of biopolymer properties, such as barrier and tensile strength.
• Assessment of biodegradability rates under environmental conditions.

Main Results:

• Alginate yields of 20%-30% and chitin yields of 15%-25% achieved with 80% efficiency.
• Nanotechnology enhanced encapsulation efficiency to 95% and improved barrier and tensile strengths by 30% and 50%, respectively.
• Marine biopolymer products (packaging films, medical bandages, agricultural mulch) demonstrated 90% degradation within 6 weeks.

Conclusions:

• Marine biopolymers present a viable, sustainable alternative to conventional plastics.
• These biopolymers contribute to reducing ocean pollution and supporting coastal economies.
• Advancements like carbon-negative PHAs and seaweed-based packaging align with Sustainable Development Goal 14.