From seaweed to smart materials: The nanotechnological promise of carrageenan

This review aims to discuss the dynamic applications of carrageenan in the field of nanotechnology, which will include a detailed discussion of the basic properties of the compound, market trends, and new applications of the material. Carrageenans have been traditionally extracted from Rhodophyceae, or red algae, through the use of alkaline processing and precipitation methods; however, current trends have focused on the development of more environmentally friendly processing methods. The nano-formulations of the compound have been utilised in various ways, ranging from the application of the drug delivery system of the compound to the field of medicine, the preservation of food through antimicrobial packaging, agriculture, and environmental remediation technology. The diverse applications of the compound, especially in the field of nanotechnology, have highlighted the versatility of the material, which is used as a substrate in the production of the nano-formulations of the compound. Nevertheless, despite the dynamic applications of the compound, there is still a need to address the challenges that still need to be overcome to fully harness the potential of the material, which may be achieved through the utilisation of enhanced characterisation tools, standard production methods, and the utilisation of extended methods of functionalization of the material. It is also important to note that the establishment of proper regulatory infrastructures will be important in the translation of the potential of the material from the research lab to the industries that may be utilised to harness the potential of the compound.