Sources, extractions, and applications of alginate: a review

Abstract

Alginate, a naturally sourced bio-polymer derived mainly from brown seaweed, has gained incredible attention due to its versatile properties and wide range of applications. This review outlines alginate regarding sources, extraction methods, classifications, and critical characteristics. The critical development of alginate, focusing on its application in 3D bioprinting in fields such as vascular tissue formation, bone printing, and cartilage printing, has been discussed. Recent trends regarding the application of alginate in different sectors, from cosmetic textiles to wastewater treatment, wound dressing, and preparation of intelligent materials, have also been probed. The techniques used, benefits, and limitations form the discussion of each application. In addition, future alginate perspectives are discussed by considering current research with potential innovations that can expand its utility. Particular attention is devoted to the promising role of alginate in these emerging technologies that hold promise for radical changes in many industries due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and unique physicochemical properties. This review seeks to lay down basic knowledge on alginate by synthesizing the state of the art and, in this way, brings out the gaps that might inspire further studies and development in this dynamic field.