Biodegradable Plastics Based on Algal Polymers: Recent Advances and Applications

Abstract

There is an upsurge need for bioplastics as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastics. Algae polysaccharides such as alginate, carrageenan, agar, starch, ulvan, porphyran, fucoidan, and cellulose are promising candidates for the development of biobased plastics. Similarly, macromolecules such as polyhydroxyalkanoates and proteins could be utilized in bioplastic preparation. These bioplastics have been exploited in the food industry, medicine, water treatment and desalination, and agriculture. In these fields, bioplastics are mainly applied as food coatings, packages, drug-delivery materials, wound dressings, adsorbents, filters, mulching films and membranes for fuel cells and batteries, etc. This chapter provides a general overview on recent advances and applications of bioplastics derived from algae polymers and composites.