The Battle against Plastic Pollution; The Vanquish in Macroalgal Alginates: A review

Abstract

The persistent environmental threat posed by conventional plastics has catalyzed global efforts toward sustainable alternatives. This review explores the potential role of brown seaweed-derived alginates in bioplastic development, spotlighting their ecological compatibility and functional promise. It examines the structural and physicochemical attributes of alginates, positioning them as a viable polymer for bioplastic fabrication. Key insights include feasibility assessments of production at laboratory scale, degradation pathways influenced by microbial activity, and the broader ecological implications of bioplastic breakdown in marine and terrestrial environments. The review also outlines extraction and processing protocols for alginate-based bioplastics, offering a scalable framework for future innovation. Brown seaweed alginates thus emerge not only as a scientific solution but as a strategic contender in the global battle to vanquish plastic pollution.