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Biocompatible Excipients from Microalgae: Advancing Protein and Peptide Therapeutics through Sustainable Formulation
Shikha Baghel Chauhan1, Indu Singh1, Aniket Yadav1
1Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University, Noida, UP, 201313, India.
Protein and Peptide Letters
|May 12, 2026
Summary
Microalgae yield sustainable biopolymers for pharmaceutical excipients, offering mucoadhesive and controlled-release properties. Research is needed to overcome industrial challenges and integrate these eco-friendly compounds into drug delivery systems.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biotechnology
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Biopolymer Chemistry
Background:
- Microalgae are a sustainable source of biopolymers with significant functional and medicinal value.
- Biopolymers like fucoidan, ulvan, laminarin, and paramylon possess properties suitable for advanced drug delivery.
- Microalgae cultivation offers ecologically sustainable production practices due to carbon dioxide fixation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pharmacoeconomic importance of microalgae-derived biopolymers as pharmaceutical excipients.
- To evaluate industrial-scale cultivation methods for microalgae biopolymer production.
- To identify challenges and opportunities for microalgae biopolymers in the pharmaceutical industry.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of microalgae biopolymer applications in pharmaceuticals.
- Analysis of cultivation techniques (open-pond and closed bioreactors).
- Evaluation of biopolymer properties (mucoadhesive, bioactive, controlled release, thickening, gelation, film-forming, immunomodulatory, antioxidant).
Main Results:
- Microalgae biopolymers exhibit diverse properties beneficial for pharmaceutical formulations.
- Cultivation methods present both advantages and limitations for industrial-scale biopolymer extraction.
- Existing industrial applications hinder the full integration of microalgae biopolymers.
Conclusions:
- Microalgae-derived excipients can complement or replace synthetic excipients, promoting safer and eco-friendly alternatives.
- Further research is essential to overcome industrial hurdles and facilitate the incorporation of microalgae biopolymers into pharmaceutical formulations.
- The unique properties of these biopolymers support their application in advanced drug delivery and formulation science.
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