Role of Algae in the Production of Biomaterials

Abstract

Algae have drawn a significant attention for the manufacture of biomaterials with unique features and extraordinary uses because of its large yields, short growth time, and variable culture conditions. Algal polymers, blends, and combinations of biomass or algal biomolecules with other polymeric materials are examples of algae-based materials. Polysaccharides and sulfate polysaccharides such as agar, carrageenan, alginates, and polyhydroxyalkanoates are essential algal polymers. Algal and biomass polymers have improved mechanical characteristics, biocompatibility, and biodegradability when included into synthetic polymer systems. Algal-based biomaterials are interesting contenders to replace existing, non-renewable polymer materials derived from fossil fuels. This chapter discusses the numerous applications of biomaterials obtained from algae. Furthermore, as biotechnology advances, algae-based polymers, blends, and composites have found many applications in a variety of domains of human existence, ranging from medicinal applications to sophisticated technological applications.