Bioplastics From Microalgae

The environmental challenges generated by the consumption of plastics are huge mainly due to their long degradation. It takes almost up to 1200 years for certain plastics. The environmental challenges and the longer degradation time of conventional plastics can be solved using bioplastics. According to European Bioplastics (2021), the global market for bioplastics is expected to increase from 2.4 million tonnes to 7.6 million tonnes by 2026. Even though, bio-plastics can be produced from sources such as plants, animals or microbial biomass, microorganic sources, mainly microalgae-based bio-plastics are emerging as the highly preferred source. This is due to their ease of cultivation (growth even in polluted surroundings like wastewater), fewer nutrient demands, fast- growing nature, high productivity etc. Unlike other bioplastic sources, microalgal sources do not compromise human consumption.

- 

1. Microalgae and Bioplastics

Microalgae, are single-cell organisms with sizes ranging from approximately 5 μm Chlorella sp. to more than 100 μm Spirulina sp.. Microalgae are a sustainable, promising and cost-effective option for bioplastics production. Microalgae-based bioplastics can be produced directly using algal biomass or combined with other materials. Spirulina sp., Chlorella sp., Enteromorpha crinite, Ulva armoricana and Laminaria japonica, have been identified as suitable for bioplastic production. Microalgae and certain cyanobacteria can produce immense amounts of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates, which form the primary components of bio-based products like bioplastics, biopolymers, and bio-based polyurethane.

2. Composition and Properties Of Microalgae-Derived Bio-Polymers

Biopolymers, such as proteins, polysaccharides and lipids, constitute the main components of the bioplastics derived from microalgae, which are obtained directly from algal biomass. The specific composition of these bioplastics obtained varies depending on the species of microalgae used, the cultivation conditions, and the extraction processes employed.

2.1. Microalgal Biomass