Algae-based biomaterial synthesis and applications for a sustainable green bioeconomy: A review

The development of biological materials to reduce the dependence on non-renewable resources receives increasing interest. Algae are photoautotrophs, have extremely low growth requirements, can be easily cultivated and are very suitable for the synthesis of sustainable materials. Although some studies have shown the potential of algae-synthetic materials, comprehensive information on algal materials has not yet been integrated. The polysaccharides and polyesters of algae are the foundation for synthetic materials. This review summarizes the biosynthetic mechanism of algae biopolymers and the synthesis methods, mechanisms, and applications of algal materials. These materials include algae plastics with properties comparable to petrochemical polymers, algae-based coal composites and algae biochar that can be used as fuels, and algae nanomaterials that are widely used as catalysts to treat wastewater. Since the great potential of biochar and nanomaterials in wastewater remediation has been widely acknowledged, the mechanism of pollutant removal is discussed. Additionally, related challenges and future research of green synthesis materials from algae are briefly discussed. The review suggests accelerating the research in these promising areas and providing a viable alternative to non-renewable resources.