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Algae-Based Protective Coatings for Sustainable Infrastructure: A Novel Framework Linking Material Chemistry, Techno-Economics, and Environmental Functionality
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This review provides the first integrated assessment of microalgae-derived protective coatings for infrastructure, evaluating key biopolymers like alginate and extracellular polymeric substances for adhesion, UV stability, and corrosion resistance, and proposes that bio-based coatings could replace petroleum-derived alternatives while sequestering CO2 and degrading environmental pollutants.
Conventional petroleum-based protective coatings release high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and contribute to resource depletion, urging the development of environmentally responsible alternatives. Among bio-based candidates, microalgae have recently gained attention for their ability to produce diverse biopolymers and pigments with intrinsic protective functionalities. However, existing literature has focused mainly on algal biofuels and general biopolymers, leaving a major gap in understanding their application as sustainable coating materials. This review addresses that gap by providing the first integrated assessment of algae-based protective coatings, linking biochemical composition, functional performance, techno-economic feasibility, and industrial scalability within a circular economy context. The review synthesizes recent findings on key algal components, including alginate, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and phycocyanin. It evaluates their roles in adhesion strength, UV stability, corrosion resistance, and antifouling activity. Reported performance metrics include adhesion strengths of 2.5–3.8 MPa, UV retention above 85% after 2000 hours, and corrosion rate reductions of up to 40% compared with polyurethane systems. Furthermore, this study introduces the concept of carbon-negative, multifunctional coatings that simultaneously protect infrastructure and mitigate environmental impacts through CO₂ sequestration and pollutant degradation. Challenges involving biomass variability, processing costs (>USD 500/ton), and regulatory barriers are critically discussed, with proposed solutions through hybrid cultivation and biorefinery integration. By bridging materials science, environmental engineering, and sustainability frameworks, this review establishes a foundation for transforming algae-based coatings from laboratory research to scalable, industrially viable technologies.
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Researchers reviewed recent advances in producing bioplastics from algae, covering strain engineering, fermentation optimization, and biopolymer extraction, and assessed the commercial and sustainability outlook for algal bioplastics as a renewable, low-land-use alternative to both conventional and crop-based bioplastics.
Emerging Trends in Algae‐Derived Biopolymers‐Based Films and Coatings for Future Food Packaging Applications: A Review
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This review summarizes existing research on packaging films and coatings made from algae substances like alginate and carrageenan, which could replace plastic food packaging that creates microplastic pollution. It reports that these materials show good strength and barrier properties, but still face challenges including sensitivity to moisture and difficulty scaling up production.
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Researchers partially replaced polylactic acid (PLA) with microalgae biomass to produce composite bioplastic films, finding that microalgae addition improved certain mechanical and barrier properties while maintaining biodegradability, offering a more sustainable and circular alternative to conventional fossil-fuel-derived plastics.
Role of microalgae as a sustainable alternative of biopolymers and its application in industries
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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.
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