Algae biopolymer towards sustainable circular economy

Vishno Vardhan Devadas, Kuan Shiong Khoo, Wen Yi Chia, Kit Wayne Chew, Heli Siti Halimatul Munawaroh, Man Kee Lam, Jun Wei Lim, Yeek Chia Ho, Keat Teong Lee, Pau Loke Show*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

156 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The accumulation of conventional petroleum-based polymers has increased exponentially over the years. Therefore, algae-based biopolymer has gained interest among researchers as one of the alternative approaches in achieving a sustainable circular economy around the world. The benefits of microalgae biopolymer over other feedstock is its autotrophic complex to reduce the greenhouse gases emission, rapid growing ability with flexibility in diverse environments and its ability to compost that gives greenhouse gas credits. In contrast, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of algae-based biopolymer in the evaluation of microalgae strains, bioplastic characterization and bioplastic blending technologies. The future prospects and challenges on the algae circular bioeconomy which includes the challenges faced in circular economy, issues regard to the scale-up and operating cost of microalgae cultivation and the life cycle assessment on algal-based biopolymer were highlighted. The aim of this review is to provide insights of algae-based biopolymer towards a sustainable circular bioeconomy.

Original languageEnglish
Article number124702
JournalBioresource Technology
Volume325
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2021
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 Elsevier Ltd

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • Bioengineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Waste Management and Disposal

Keywords

  • Algae biopolymer
  • Biopolymer technologies
  • Circular bioeconomy
  • GHG credits
  • Polyhydroxyalkanoates

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