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Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Scalable Step-by-Step Approach of Sustainable Bioplastic Production from Food Waste
Published on: July 18, 2025
Impact of extraction methods on hydrocolloids from green macroalgae waste for valorisation as functional biopolymers
Irene Peñaranda1, M Dolores Garrido1
1Department of Food Science and Technology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Murcia, Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
Abstract:
Converting invasive Caulerpa prolifera and Ulva intestinalis waste from Mar Menor into functional biopolymers is essential for the circular bioeconomy. This study establishes a systematic techno-functional mapping by prioritising green extraction methods (distilled water, 1% citric acid and microwave) alongside traditional 0.5 N HCl and 0.25 M NaCl. Analysis included yield, composition, and functional via FESEM assays. Yields exceeding reported literature were achieved using 1% citric acid: 49.0% for Ulva intestinalis and 37.0% for Caulerpa prolifera. Results confirmed that pH modulates morphology: acid extraction produced dense aggregates with superior water holding capacity (>89%), while alkaline methods favoured porous fibrillar networks with a higher water absorption index (3.39 g/g). A current limitation is the high pigment content in alkaline extracts, requiring further purification. Future research should focus on detailed structural elucidation and gelation kinetics to optimise packaging. These findings validate the efficient transformation of ecological waste into high-performance functional biopolymers for sustainable applications.
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