A Short Review on the Valorization of Green Seaweeds and Ulvan: FEEDSTOCK for Chemicals and Biomaterials

Seaweed-based biopolymers for food packaging: A sustainable approach for a cleaner tomorrow

With the increasing environmental and health consequences of uncontrolled plastic use, the scientific community is progressively gravitating toward biodegradable and ecofriendly packaging alternatives. Seaweed polysaccharides have attracted attention recently because of their biodegradability, nontoxicity, antioxidant properties, and superior film-forming ability. However, it has some limitations for packaging applications, such as low tensile strength, water solubility, and only modest antimicrobial properties. The incorporation of biopolymers, nanoparticles, or organic active ingredients enhances these characteristics. This review encapsulates the contemporary research landscape pivoting around the role of seaweed polysaccharides in the development of bioplastics, active packaging solutions, edible films, and protective coatings. A meticulous collation of existing literature dissects the myriad food application avenues for these marine biopolymers, emphasizing their multifaceted physical, mechanical, thermal, and functional attributes, including antimicrobial and antioxidant. A key facet of this review spotlights environmental ramifications by focusing on their biodegradability, reinforcing their potential as a beacon of sustainable innovation. This article delves into the prevalent challenges that stymie large-scale adoption and commercialization of seaweed-centric packaging, offering a comprehensive perspective on this burgeoning domain.

Immunostimulating effects of ulvan type polysaccharide isolated from Korean Ulva pertusa in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed BALB/c mice

This study aimed to determine the immunostimulatory activities of ulvan type polysaccharides isolated from Ulva pertusa. First, U. pertusa polysaccharide (UPP) mainly consists of rhamnose, glucuronic acid, iduronic acid, and xylose, which are typical ulvan type monosaccharides. UPP induced phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-kappa B pathways in macrophages, subsequently triggering cytokine release and phagocytosis. The effects were closely associated with pattern recognition receptors such as dectin-1, mannose receptor, CD11b, CD14, and Toll-like receptors 2 and 4. Moreover, prophylactic administration of UPP was found to protect against body weight loss and lymphatic organ damage in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice. In addition, UPP demonstrated significant stimulatory effects on various immunocytes, such as T cells, B cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells derived from the spleen. These effects were closely related to the mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-kappa B pathways, and significant secretion of immunostimulatory cytokines such as IL-6, -12, and TNF-α was noted in both blood and spleen samples. Impairment of the short-chain fatty acid balance in the cecum was prevented by UPP administration in a dose-dependent manner. Consequently, these results suggest that the UPP isolated from U. pertusa contributes to immune system activation.

Characterization and Biological Activities of the Ulvan Polysaccharide-Rich Fraction Obtained from Ulva rigida and Ulva pseudorotundata and Their Potential for Pharmaceutical Application

Seaweed from the genus Ulva (Ulvales, Chlorophyta) has a worldwide distribution and represents a potential biomass source for biotechnological applications. In the present study, we investigated the ulvan polysaccharide-rich fraction (UPRF) isolated from two Ulva species (U. rigida and U. pseudorotundata), naturally occurring on the Spanish Mediterranean coast. Chemical characterization of UPRFs was performed in order to explore the polysaccharides' composition. Biological assessments of UPRFs were compared by antioxidant activity and in vitro toxicity tests in the human cell lines: HCT-116 (colon cancer), G-361 (malignant melanoma), U-937 (leukemia), and HaCaT cells (immortalized keratinocytes). Chemical analysis revealed that both UPRFs presented rhamnose as the major relative sugar constituent, followed by glucose in U. rigida and xylose in U. pseudorotundata. Both also presented glucuronic acid, galactose, ribose, and mannose as the remaining monosaccharides. Similar antioxidant activity was obtained, where we observed increased activity in response to increased polysaccharide concentrations. Both UPRFs presented moderate toxicity against HCT-116 cell lines and a selectivity index ≥ 3, suggesting a good potential for use in pharmaceutical products.

Functionalization of seaweed bloom-derived Ulvan using response surface methodology with application in flocculation of oil-in-water pollution

Utilizing macroalgal waste biomass for pollution management is a highly efficient method for addressing the environmental difficulties associated with its disposal. To accomplish this, we have attempted to synthesize a graft copolymer by combining ulvan, a sulfated polysaccharide isolated from seaweed, with acrylates. A one-pot synthesis method using UV-initiated graft polymerization with V-50 as the photoinitiator resulted in the production of a distinctive, high-performance, and eco-friendly flocculant, Ulvan-g-Poly (acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) referred as P(U_AAm_AAc). The synthesis was optimized using the CCD-RSM approach, employing molecular weight and inherent viscosity as indicators to optimize the parameters. The structural and physio-chemical properties of the synthesized P(U_AAm_AAc) were characterized utilizing XRD, ATR-FTIR, ζ-potential, and H1 NMR spectroscopy. The flocculation performance of P(U_AAm_AAc) was further examined for the removal of oils from samples with high neem oil in urea solution and low crude oil in seawater. By employing a coagulant-flocculant combination of poly-aluminium chloride (PAC) and P(U_AAm_AAc), it was noted that more than 94% of oil was effectively eliminated in both samples. Optimization of the dosage of P(U_AAm_AAc) resulted in enhanced turbidity reduction and improved dewatering efficiency of the filter cake generated following flocculation. An evaluation of performance was conducted using the commercial flocculant APAM, where synthesized P(U_AAm_AAc) demonstrated similar results. In conclusion, the findings of this research highlight the potential of P(U_AAm_AAc) as a sustainable alternative to commercial flocculants with multifaceted solution to coastal waste management, paving the way for a cleaner and healthier marine ecosystem to mitigate oil emulsion pollution.

Flash extraction of ulvan polysaccharides from marine green macroalga Ulva linza and evaluation of its antioxidant and gut microbiota modulation activities

In this study, flash extraction was used to rapidly extract water-soluble polysaccharides from Ulva linza. The optimal extraction process for the flash extraction was determined by Box-Behnken design with extraction temperature 80 °C, extraction time 117 s, liquid-solid ratio 46:1 (mL/g) and a corresponding yield of 18.5 %. The crude Ulva linza polysaccharides (CULP) were subsequently isolated by chromatography technology to obtain purified Ulva linza polysaccharide (ULP) and characterized by monosaccharide composition and molecular weight determination analysis. Furthermore, the antioxidant bioactivity of ULP was studied and the results revealed that it had a good scavenging effect on DPPH, ABTS and OH, with IC50 values of 149.2 μg/mL, 252.5 μg/mL and 1073 μg/mL, respectively. After in vitro fermentation by human fecal microbiota, the pH value of fermentation culture significantly decreased to 5.06, suggesting that ULP could be hydrolyzed and utilized by gut microbiota. The abundance of beneficial bacteria including Bacteroides, Parabacteroides and Faecalibacterium was improved. Meanwhile, the relative abundance of Prevotella, Blautia and Ruminococcus was decreased, and the low ratio of these organisms might reveal positive effects on maintaining the balance of gut microbial biodiversity. These results suggested that the composition of the human gut microbiota could be modulated by ULP, and ULP might possess the potential to maintain gut homeostasis and improve human intestinal health.

Algae-Based Biopolymers for Batteries and Biofuel Applications in Comparison with Bacterial Biopolymers-A Review

Algae-based biopolymers can be used in diverse energy-related applications, such as separators and polymer electrolytes in batteries and fuel cells and also as microalgal biofuel, which is regarded as a highly renewable energy source. For these purposes, different physical, thermochemical, and biochemical properties are necessary, which are discussed within this review, such as porosity, high temperature resistance, or good mechanical properties for batteries and high energy density and abundance of the base materials in case of biofuel, along with the environmental aspects of using algae-based biopolymers in these applications. On the other hand, bacterial biopolymers are also often used in batteries as bacterial cellulose separators or as biopolymer network binders, besides their potential use as polymer electrolytes. In addition, they are also regarded as potential sustainable biofuel producers and converters. This review aims at comparing biopolymers from both aforementioned sources for energy conversion and storage. Challenges regarding the production of algal biopolymers include low scalability and low cost-effectiveness, and for bacterial polymers, slow growth rates and non-optimal fermentation processes often cause challenges. On the other hand, environmental benefits in comparison with conventional polymers and the better biodegradability are large advantages of these biopolymers, which suggest further research to make their production more economical.

Preparation and characterization of bioplastic film from the green seaweed Halimeda opuntia

Protein-rich seaweeds are regarded as having commercial significance due to their numerous industrial applications. The green seaweed Halimeda opuntia was used during this study for the preparation of bioplastic film. A thin bioplastic film with better physical and mechanical properties was produced by optimizing the ratio of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to seaweed biomass. The films obtained were characterized by their thickness, tensile strength, elongation at break, Young's modulus, moisture absorption resistance, and solubility. To evaluate the composition and potential for chemical reactions of the films, an FTIR spectroscopy examination was conducted. Whereas TG-DTA and AFM were performed on films with high mechanical properties. The bioplastic film produced when algae percent was tripled in PVA concentration had better physical and mechanical characteristics, and the bioplastic films degraded in the environment within a short time. According to the current study, seaweed might serve as an alternative source for the production of bioplastic, which could help minimize the use of non-biodegradable plastics.

Anti-methanogenic potential of seaweeds and seaweed-derived compounds in ruminant feed: current perspectives, risks and future prospects

With methane emissions from ruminant agriculture contributing 17% of total methane emissions worldwide, there is increasing urgency to develop strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in this sector. One of the proposed strategies is ruminant feed intervention studies focused on the inclusion of anti-methanogenic compounds which are those capable of interacting with the rumen microbiome, reducing the capacity of ruminal microorganisms to produce methane. Recently, seaweeds have been investigated for their ability to reduce methane in ruminants in vitro and in vivo, with the greatest methane abatement reported when using the red seaweed Asparagopsis taxiformis (attributed to the bromoform content of this species). From the literature analysis in this study, levels of up to 99% reduction in ruminant methane emissions have been reported from inclusion of this seaweed in animal feed, although further in vivo and microbiome studies are required to confirm these results as other reports showed no effect on methane emission resulting from the inclusion of seaweed to basal feed. This review explores the current state of research aiming to integrate seaweeds as anti-methanogenic feed additives, as well as examining the specific bioactive compounds within seaweeds that are likely to be related to these effects. The effects of the inclusion of seaweeds on the ruminal microbiome are also reviewed, as well as the future challenges when considering the large-scale inclusion of seaweeds into ruminant diets as anti-methanogenic agents.

Unveiling the Potential of Marine Biopolymers: Sources, Classification, and Diverse Food Applications

Environmental concerns regarding the usage of nonrenewable materials are driving up the demand for biodegradable marine biopolymers. Marine biopolymers are gaining increasing attention as sustainable alternatives in various industries, including the food sector. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of marine biopolymers and their applications in the food industry. Marine sources are given attention as innovative resources for the production of sea-originated biopolymers, such as agar, alginate, chitin/chitosan, and carrageenan, which are safe, biodegradable, and are widely employed in a broad spectrum of industrial uses. This article begins by discussing the diverse source materials of marine biopolymers, which encompass biopolymers derived from seaweed and marine animals. It explores the unique characteristics and properties of these biopolymers, highlighting their potential for food applications. Furthermore, this review presents a classification of marine biopolymers, categorizing them based on their chemical composition and structural properties. This classification provides a framework for understanding the versatility and functionality of different marine biopolymers in food systems. This article also delves into the various food applications of marine biopolymers across different sectors, including meat, milk products, fruits, and vegetables. Thus, the motive of this review article is to offer a brief outline of (a) the source materials of marine biopolymers, which incorporates marine biopolymers derived from seaweed and marine animals, (b) a marine biopolymer classification, and (c) the various food applications in different food systems such as meat, milk products, fruits, and vegetables.

Immunomodulatory, Antioxidant, Anticancer, and Pharmacokinetic Activity of Ulvan, a Seaweed-Derived Sulfated Polysaccharide: An Updated Comprehensive Review

Cancer is one of the most worldwide spread diseases and causes maximum death. Treatment of cancer depends on the host immune system and the type of drugs. The inefficiency of conventional cancer treatments as a result of drug resistance, nontargeted delivery, and chemotherapy-related negative side effects has caused bioactive phytochemicals to come into focus. As a result, recent years have seen an increase in research into screening and identifying natural compounds with anticancer properties. Recent studies on the isolation and use of polysaccharides derived from various marine algal species have revealed a variety of biological activities, including antioxidant and anticancer properties. Ulvan is a polysaccharide derived from various green seaweeds of the Ulva species in the family Ulvaceae. It has been demonstrated to have potent anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties through the modulation of antioxidants. It is vital to understand the mechanisms underlying the biotherapeutic activities of Ulvan in cancer and its role in immunomodulation. In this context, we reviewed the anticancer effects of ulvan based on its apoptotic effects and immunomodulatory activity. Additionally, we also focused on its pharmacokinetic studies in this review. Ulvan is the most conceivable candidate for use as a cancer therapeutic agent and could be used to boost immunity. Moreover, it may be established as an anticancer drug once its mechanisms of action are understood. Due to its high food and nutritive values, it can be used as a possible dietary supplement for cancer patients in the near future. This review may provide fresh perspectives on the potential novel role of ulvan, reveal a brand-new cancer-prevention strategy, and improve human health.

Potential use of seaweed polysaccharides as prebiotics for management of metabolic syndrome: a review

Seaweed polysaccharides (SPs) obtained from seaweeds are a class of functional prebiotics. SPs can regulate glucose and lipid anomalies, affect appetite, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, and therefore have great potential for managing metabolic syndrome (MetS). SPs are poorly digested by the human gastrointestinal tract but are available to the gut microbiota to produce metabolites and exert a series of positive effects, which may be the mechanism by which SPs render their anti-MetS effects. This article reviews the potential of SPs as prebiotics in the management of MetS-related metabolic disturbances. The structure of SPs and studies related to the process of their degradation by gut bacteria and their therapeutic effects on MetS are highlighted. In summary, this review provides new perspectives on SPs as prebiotics to prevent and treat MetS.

Bioactive immunostimulants as health-promoting feed additives in aquaculture: A review

Bioactive immunostimulants could be derived from different sources like plants, animals, microbes, algae, yeast, etc. Bioactive immunostimulants are the most significant role to enhance aquatic production, as well as the cost of this method, which is effective, non-toxic, and environment-friendly. These immunostimulants are supportive to increase the immune system, growth, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and disease resistance of aquatic animals' health and also improve aquatic animal feed. Diseases are mainly targeted to the immune system of aquatic organisms in such a way that different processes of bioactive immunostimulants progress are considered imperative techniques for the development of aquaculture production. Communicable infections are the main problem for aquaculture, while the mortality and morbidity connected with some outbreaks significantly limit the productivity of some sectors. Aquaculture is considered the mainly developing food production sector globally. Protein insists is an important issue in human nutrition. Aquaculture has been an exercise for thousands of years, and it has now surpassed capture fisheries as the most vital source of seafood in the world. Limited study reports are available to focal point on bioactive immunostimulants in aquaculture applications. This review report provides information on the nutritional administration of bioactive immunostimulants, their types, functions, and beneficial impacts on aquatic animals' health as well as for the feed quality development in the aquaculture industry. The scope of this review combined to afford various kinds of natural derived bioactive molecules utilization and their beneficial effects in aquaculture applications.

Recent developments in biorefining of macroalgae metabolites and their industrial applications - A circular economy approach

The macroalgal industry is expanding, and the quest for novel ingredients to improve and develop innovative products is crucial. Consumers are increasingly looking for natural-derived ingredients in cosmetic products that have been proven to be effective and safe. Macroalgae-derived compounds have growing popularity in skincare products as they are natural, abundant, biocompatible, and renewable. Due to their high biomass yields, rapid growth rates, and cultivation process, they are gaining widespread recognition as potentially sustainable resources better suited for biorefinery processes. This review demonstrates macroalgae metabolites and their industrial applications in moisturizers, anti-aging, skin whitening, hair, and oral care products. These chemicals can be obtained in combination with energy products to increase the value of macroalgae from an industrial perspective with a zero-waste approach by linking multiple refineries. The key challenges, bottlenecks, and future perspectives in the operation and outlook of macroalgal biorefineries were also discussed.

Ulvan-Based Nanofibrous Patches Enhance Wound Healing of Skin Trauma Resulting from Cryosurgical Treatment of Keloids

Keloids are skin fibroproliferative disorders, resulting from abnormal healing of deep cutaneous injuries. Cryosurgery, the most common treatment for keloids, causes skin traumas. Even though the clinical practice of cryosurgery has increased, effective wound healing therapy is still lacking. In this investigation, nonwoven nanofibrous patches composed of ulvan, a marine sulfated polysaccharide exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, and polyethylene oxide (PEO) were fabricated through electrospinning and characterized. Their wound healing efficacy on skin traumas resulting from cryosurgical treatment of keloids was clinically tested and evaluated in comparison to a reference product. Twenty-four volunteer patients undergoing cryosurgery as a treatment of keloids were selected to apply either the ulvan/PEO patch or the reference product for 21 days. The ulvan/PEO patch, 21 days after cryosurgery, showed significant wound healing, elimination of skin inflammation, restoration of biophysical parameters similar to normal values and significant decrease in haemoglobin concentration, skin texture and volume, while no discomfort or adverse reaction was observed. In contrast, the reference product showed inferior performance in all evaluated parameters. The designed ulvan/PEO patch represents the first wound dressing to effectively heal skin trauma after cryosurgical treatment of keloids.

Marine Bioactive Compounds Derived from Macroalgae as New Potential Players in Drug Delivery Systems: A Review

The marine algal ecosystem is characterized by a rich ecological biodiversity and can be considered as an unexploited resource for the discovery and isolation of novel bioactive compounds. In recent years, marine macroalgae have begun to be explored for their valuable composition in bioactive compounds and opportunity to obtain different nutraceuticals. In comparison with their terrestrial counterparts, Black Sea macroalgae are potentially good sources of bioactive compounds with specific and unique biological activities, insufficiently used. Macroalgae present in different marine environments contain several biologically active metabolites, including polysaccharides, oligosaccharides, polyunsaturated fatty acids, sterols, proteins polyphenols, carotenoids, vitamins, and minerals. As a result, they have received huge interest given their promising potentialities in supporting antitumoral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antiangiogenic, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective properties. An additional advantage of ulvans, fucoidans and carrageenans is the biocompatibility and limited or no toxicity. This therapeutic potential is a great natural treasure to be exploited for the development of novel drug delivery systems in both preventive and therapeutic approaches. This overview aims to provide an insight into current knowledge focused on specific bioactive compounds, which represent each class of macroalgae e.g., ulvans, fucoidans and carrageenans, respectively, as valuable potential players in the development of innovative drug delivery systems.

An Overview of the Alternative Use of Seaweeds to Produce Safe and Sustainable Bio-Packaging

In modern times, seaweeds have become widely involved in several biotechnological applications due to the variety of their constituent bioactive compounds. The consumption of seaweeds dates to ancient times; however, only from the last few decades of research can we explain the mechanisms of action and the potential of seaweed-derived bioactive compounds, which has led to their involvement in food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries. Macroalgae-derived bioactive compounds are of great importance as their properties enable them to be ideal candidates for the production of sustainable “green” packaging. Diverse studies demonstrate that seaweed polysaccharides (e.g., alginates and carrageenans) not only provide health benefits, but also contribute to the production of biopolymeric film and biodegradable packaging. The dispersion of plastics and microplastics in the oceans provoke serious environmental issues that influence ecosystems and aquatic organisms. Thus, the sustainable use of seaweed-derived biopolymers is now crucial to replace plasticizers with biodegradable materials, and thus preserve the environment. The present review aims to provide an overview on the potential of seaweeds in the production of bioplastics which might be involved in food or pharmaceutical packaging.

3D Bioprinting of Novel κ-Carrageenan Bioinks: An Algae-Derived Polysaccharide

Novel green materials not sourced from animals and with low environmental impact are becoming increasingly appealing for biomedical and cellular agriculture applications. Marine biomaterials are a rich source of structurally diverse compounds with various biological activities. Kappa-carrageenan (κ-c) is a potential candidate for tissue engineering applications due to its gelation properties, mechanical strength, and similar structural composition of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), possessing several advantages when compared to other algae-based materials typically used in bioprinting such as alginate. For those reasons, this material was selected as the main polysaccharide component of the bioinks developed herein. In this work, pristine κ-carrageenan bioinks were successfully formulated for the first time and used to fabricate 3D scaffolds by bioprinting. Ink formulation and printing parameters were optimized, allowing for the manufacturing of complex 3D structures. Mechanical compression tests and dry weight determination revealed young’s modulus between 24.26 and 99.90 kPa and water contents above 97%. Biocompatibility assays, using a mouse fibroblast cell line, showed high cell viability and attachment. The bioprinted cells were spread throughout the scaffolds with cells exhibiting a typical fibroblast-like morphology similar to controls. The 3D bio-/printed structures remained stable under cell culture conditions for up to 11 days, preserving high cell viability values. Overall, we established a strategy to manufacture 3D bio-/printed scaffolds through the formulation of novel bioinks with potential applications in tissue engineering and cellular agriculture.

Recent Progress in Antioxidant Active Substances from Marine Biota

BACKGROUND

The well-recognized but not fully explored antioxidant activity of marine-biota-derived, biologically active substances has led to interest in their study as substitutes of antibiotics, antiaging agents, anticancer and antiviral drugs, and others. The aim of this review is to present the current state of the art of marine-biota-derived antioxidants to give some ideas for potential industrial applications.

METHODS

This review is an update for the last 5 years on the marine sources of natural antioxidants, different classes antioxidant compounds, and current derivation biotechnologies.

RESULTS

New marine sources of antioxidants, including byproducts and wastes, are presented, along with new antioxidant substances and derivation approaches.

CONCLUSIONS

The interest in high-value antioxidants from marine biota continues. Natural substances combining antioxidant and antimicrobial action are of particular interest because of the increasing microbial resistance to antibiotic treatments. New antioxidant substances are discovered, along with those extracted from marine biota collected in other locations. Byproducts and wastes provide a valuable source of antioxidant substances. The application of optimized non-conventional derivation approaches is expected to allow the intensification of the production and improvement in the quality of the derived substances. The ability to obtain safe, high-value products is of key importance for potential industrialization.

An Overview of Potential Seaweed-Derived Bioactive Compounds for Pharmaceutical Applications

Nowadays, seaweeds are widely involved in biotechnological applications. Due to the variety of bioactive compounds in their composition, species of phylum Ochrophyta, class Phaeophyceae, phylum Rhodophyta and Chlorophyta are valuable for the food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. Seaweeds have been consumed as whole food since ancient times and used to treat several diseases, even though the mechanisms of action were unknown. During the last decades, research has demonstrated that those unique compounds express beneficial properties for human health. Each compound has peculiar properties (e.g., antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral activities, etc.) that can be exploited to enhance human health. Seaweed's extracted polysaccharides are already involved in the pharmaceutical industry, with the aim of replacing synthetic compounds with components of natural origin. This review aims at a better understanding of the recent uses of algae in drug development, with the scope of replacing synthetic compounds and the multiple biotechnological applications that make up seaweed's potential in industrial companies. Further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms of action of seaweed's compounds and to embrace the use of seaweeds in pharmaceutical companies and other applications, with the final scope being to produce sustainable and healthier products.

Natural Biomaterials from Biodiversity for Healthcare Applications

Natural biomaterials originating during the growth cycles of all living organisms have been used for many applications. They span from bioinert to bioactive materials including bioinspired ones. As they exhibit an increasing degree of sophistication, natural biomaterials have proven suitable to address the needs of the healthcare sector. Here the different natural healthcare biomaterials, their biodiversity sources, properties, and promising healthcare applications are reviewed. The variability of their properties as a result of considered species and their habitat is also discussed. Finally, some limitations of natural biomaterials are discussed and possible future developments are provided as more natural biomaterials are yet to be discovered and studied.

Disposable Food Packaging and Serving Materials-Trends and Biodegradability

Food is an integral part of everyone’s life. Disposable food serving utensils and tableware are a very convenient solution, especially when the possibility of the use of traditional dishes and cutlery is limited (e.g., takeaway meals). As a result, a whole range of products is available on the market: plates, trays, spoons, forks, knives, cups, straws, and more. Both the form of the product (adapted to the distribution and sales system) as well as its ecological aspect (biodegradability and life cycle) should be of interest to producers and consumers, especially considering the clearly growing trend of “eco-awareness”. This is particularly important in the case of single-use products. The aim of the study was to present the current trends regarding disposable utensils intended for contact with food in the context of their biodegradability. This paper has summarized not only conventional polymers but also their modern alternatives gaining the attention of manufacturers and consumers of single-use products (SUPs).

Rosmarinic Acid and Ulvan from Terrestrial and Marine Sources in Anti-Microbial Bionanosystems and Biomaterials

In order to increase their sustainability, antimicrobial renewable molecules are fundamental additions to consumer goods. Rosmarinic acid is extracted from several terrestrial plants and represents an effective anti-microbial agent. Ulvan, extracted from algae, is an anti-microbial polysaccharide. The present review is dedicated to discussing the sources and the extraction methodologies for obtaining rosmarinic acid and ulvan. Moreover, the preparation of bioanosystems, integrating the two molecules with organic or inorganic substrates, are reviewed as methodologies to increase their effectiveness and stability. Finally, the possibility of preparing functional biomaterials and anti-microbial final products is discussed, considering scientific literature. The performed analysis indicated that the production of both molecules is not yet performed with mature industrial technologies. Nevertheless, both molecules could potentially be used in the packaging, biomedical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, sanitary and personal care sectors, despite some research being required for developing functional materials with specific properties to pave the way for many more applications.

An Overview to the Health Benefits of Seaweeds Consumption

Currently, seaweeds are gaining major attention due to the benefits they give to our health. Recent studies demonstrate the high nutritional value of seaweeds and the powerful properties that seaweeds' bioactive compounds provide. Species of class Phaeophyceae, phylum Rhodophyta and Chlorophyta possess unique compounds with several properties that are potential allies of our health, which make them valuable compounds to be involved in biotechnological applications. In this review, the health benefits given by consumption of seaweeds as whole food or by assumption of bioactive compounds trough natural drugs are highlighted. The use of seaweeds in agriculture is also highlighted, as they assure soils and crops free from chemicals; thus, it is advantageous for our health. The addition of seaweed extracts in food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and industrial companies will enhance the production and consumption/usage of seaweed-based products. Therefore, there is the need to implement the research on seaweeds, with the aim to identify more bioactive compounds, which may assure benefits to human and animal health.

A Review of Antiviral and Antioxidant Activity of Bioactive Metabolite of Macroalgae within an Optimized Extraction Method

Non-conventional extraction of bioactive metabolites could provide sustainable alternative techniques to preserve the potency of antioxidants and antiviral compounds extracted from macro-algae. In this paper, we first reviewed the antioxidant and antiviral potential of the active metabolites that exist in the three known macro-algae classes; Phaeophyceae, Rhodophyceae, and Chlorophyceae, and a comparison between their activities is discussed. Secondly, a review of conventional and non-conventional extraction methods is undertaken. The review then focused on identifying the optimal extraction method of sulphated polysaccharide from macro-algae that exhibits both antiviral and antioxidant activity. The review finds that species belonging to the Phaeophyceae and Rhodophceae classes are primarily potent against herpes simplex virus, followed by human immunodeficiency virus and influenza virus. At the same time, species belonging to Chlorophyceae class are recorded by most of the scholars to have antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus 1. Additionally, all three macro-algae classes exhibit antioxidant activity, the potency of which is a factor of the molecular structure of the bioactive metabolite as well as the extraction method applied.

Seaweed-Based Compounds and Products for Sustainable Protection against Plant Pathogens

Sustainable agricultural practices increasingly demand novel, environmentally friendly compounds which induce plant immunity against pathogens. Stimulating plant immunity using seaweed extracts is a highly viable strategy, as these formulations contain many bio-elicitors (phyco-elicitors) which can significantly boost natural plant immunity. Certain bioactive elicitors present in a multitude of extracts of seaweeds (both commercially available and bench-scale laboratory formulations) activate pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) due to their structural similarity (i.e., analogous structure) with pathogen-derived molecules. This is achieved via the priming and/or elicitation of the defense responses of the induced systemic resistance (ISR) and systemic acquired resistance (SAR) pathways. Knowledge accumulated over the past few decades is reviewed here, aiming to explain why certain seaweed-derived bioactives have such tremendous potential to elicit plant defense responses with considerable economic significance, particularly with increasing biotic stress impacts due to climate change and the concomitant move to sustainable agriculture and away from synthetic chemistry and environmental damage. Various extracts of seaweeds display remarkably different modes of action(s) which can manipulate the plant defense responses when applied. This review focuses on both the similarities and differences amongst the modes of actions of several different seaweed extracts, as well as their individual components. Novel biotechnological approaches for the development of new commercial products for crop protection, in a sustainable manner, are also suggested.

Seaweeds Compounds: An Ecosustainable Source of Cosmetic Ingredients?

Seaweed-based cosmetics are being gradually used by consumers as a substitute of synthetic equivalent products. These seaweed-based products normally contain purified compounds or extracts with several compounds. Several seaweeds’ molecules already demonstrated a high potential as a cosmetic active ingredient (such as, mycosporine-like amino acids, fucoidan, pigments, phenolic compounds) or as a key element for the products consistency (agar, alginate, carrageenan). Moreover, seaweeds’ compounds present important qualities for cosmetic application, such as low cytotoxicity and low allergens content. However, seaweeds’ biochemical profile can be variable, and the extraction methods can cause the loss of some of the biomolecules. This review gives a general look at the seaweed cosmetics benefits and its current application in the cosmetic industry. Moreover, it focuses on the ecological and sustainable scope of seaweed exploitation to guarantee a safe source of ingredients for the cosmetic industry and consumers.

Ulvan, a Polysaccharide from Macroalga Ulva sp.: A Review of Chemistry, Biological Activities and Potential for Food and Biomedical Applications

The species of green macroalga belonging to the genus Ulva (family: Ulvaceae) are utilized in various fields, from food supplements to biomedical applications. Ulvan, a polysaccharide obtained from various Ulva species, has shown various biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, and antiviral activities. To obtain the polysaccharide ulvan that can be utilized in various fields, it is necessary to understand the critical points that affect its physicochemical nature, the extraction procedures, and the mechanism of action for biological activities. This article discusses the physicochemical properties, extraction, isolation and characterization procedures and benefits in food and biomedical applications of ulvan. In conclusion, ulvan from Ulva sp. has the potential to be used as a therapeutic agent and also as an additional ingredient in the development of tissue engineering procedures.