0
Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Sign in to save

Jellyfish-derived bioplastics: properties, degradation, and marine applications

Nature Geoscience 2026
Sivakamavalli Jeyachandran, Mohammed Aman

Summary

Jellyfish-derived collagen and biopolymers show promise as biodegradable marine plastic alternatives, with properties suited for packaging, fishing gear, sensors, and aquaculture applications. Replacing conventional plastics in marine-use contexts with jellyfish bioplastics could directly reduce the generation of persistent microplastics in ocean environments, where fishing gear and packaging are among the largest plastic pollution sources.

Study Type Environmental

In this review, the potentials of jellyfish-based plastics as an alternative to conventional plastics are looked at principally regarding their use at sea. The collagen and additional biopolymers extracted from jellyfish have distinct physical and chemical properties i.e., biodegradability, toughness, and can blend with the environment, which enables it to manufacture green material to substitute the plastic fillers found in the ocean. In the review, what is known about jellyfish biomolecules is summarized, their properties studied, and how these biomolecules are subjected to biodegradation in marine ecosystems, as well as their use to package, create fishing gear, marine sensors, and agrochemical release controls in aquaculture, is discussed. The effect of environmental factors on the degradation, useful life cycle and large-scale production and regulation challenges are also examined. This review applies the concepts of material science, marine biotechnology, and environmental policies to suggest significant research gaps, as well as describe potential new concepts that can support the application of jellyfish-derived bioplastics to create marine and environmental sustainability.

Share this paper