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Emerging technologies for conversion of sustainable macroalgal carrageenan biomass into L-lactic acid: A state-of-the-art review
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This review examines how macroalgae (seaweed) can be converted into lactic acid for making polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable plastic alternative. Using non-food biomass like seaweed to produce biodegradable plastics could help reduce dependence on fossil-based plastics that generate persistent microplastic pollution.
The environmental awareness and concerns (plastic pollution) worldwide have driven the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly biopolymer derived from renewable materials. Biopolymers, especially L-lactic acid (L-LA) have played a crucial role in manufacturing polylactic acid, a biodegradable thermoplastic. Recently, L-LA production from non-edible macroalgal biomass has gained immense attraction due to it offers the simplest saccharification process for the biorefinery route. However, the commercialization of macroalgal-based L-LA is still limited due to high production costs. This paper has comprehensively reviewed the potential and development of third-generation feedstock for L-LA production, including significant technological barriers to be overcome for potential commercialization purposes. Then, an insight into the state-of-the-art hydrolysis and fermentation technologies using macroalgae as feedstock are also deliberated in detail. Furthermore, this review provides a conceivable picture of macroalgae-based L-LA biorefinery and future research directions that can be served as an important guideline for scientists, policymakers, and industrial players.
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Not a microplastics paper — this review examines the potential of algae-derived biopolymers (such as alginate, carrageenan, and polyhydroxyalkanoates) as biodegradable, eco-friendly replacements for petroleum-based plastics, highlighting their advantages but noting challenges for large-scale production.
Harnessing marine macroalgae for bioplastic materials production: a comprehensive review
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This review examined the potential of marine macroalgae-derived bioplastics using polysaccharides including alginate, carrageenan, and agar, highlighting their biodegradability and reduced carbon footprint compared to conventional plastics. Key barriers to commercialization include high production costs, mechanical deficiencies, and scalability limitations, which may be addressed through blending with other biopolymers and investment in biorefinery technologies.
An Overview of the Alternative Use of Seaweeds to Produce Safe and Sustainable Bio-Packaging
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This review explores how compounds derived from seaweed, particularly polysaccharides like alginates and carrageenans, can be used to create biodegradable packaging as an alternative to conventional plastics. Researchers found that seaweed-based biopolymers offer both functional packaging properties and potential health benefits, while avoiding the microplastic pollution caused by petroleum-based plastics. The approach represents a promising step toward reducing ocean plastic contamination by replacing single-use plastics with marine-sourced biodegradable materials.
Pivotal Role of Microbes in Solid Waste Management
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This review discusses the role of lactic acid bacteria in solid waste management, including their use as probiotics in food systems and their potential to produce polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable plastic. Using microbes to produce bioplastics that break down naturally could help reduce persistent microplastic pollution.
Contribution of seaweed farming to the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions and microplastics pollution
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Researchers reviewed how seaweed farming can help fight two major environmental problems: seaweed absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere without competing for agricultural land, and seaweed-derived polymers can be used to make biodegradable plastics that break down without generating persistent microplastics. Scaling up seaweed-based bioplastics remains limited by production costs, but the potential environmental benefits make further research worthwhile.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.