Seaweed: a sustainable solution for greening drug manufacturing in the pursuit of sustainable healthcare

Abstract

The environmental impact of drug manufacturing raises concerns about sustainability in healthcare. To address this, exploring alternative approaches to drug production is crucial. This review focuses on seaweed as a sustainable resource for greening drug manufacturing processes. Seaweed offers advantages such as renewability, abundance, and a positive environmental footprint. The review begins by providing an overview of sustainable drug manufacturing practices and the challenges faced in achieving sustainability. It then discusses seaweed as a sustainable resource, including cultivation techniques and environmental benefits. Seaweed has various applications in drug manufacturing, including extracting and purifying bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic properties. Seaweed’s role in developing green technologies, such as seaweed-based excipients, biodegradable packaging materials, and as a source of sustainable energy for drug manufacturing processes, is highlighted. The environmental and economic implications of incorporating seaweed-based solutions are discussed, emphasizing reduced carbon footprint and cost-effectiveness. Regulatory and industrial perspectives are addressed, examining challenges, and opportunities for implementing seaweed-based drug manufacturing. Collaboration between academia, industry, and regulatory bodies is crucial for successful integration. The review presents future directions and opportunities, including emerging trends and innovations in seaweed-based drug manufacturing, areas for further research, policy development, and industry engagement recommendations. Incorporating seaweed into drug production facilitates a reduction in environmental impact, promotes resource efficiency, and contributes to sustainable healthcare. This review showcases seaweed-based solutions as a means to foster a greener future for drug manufacturing, addressing environmental concerns, and promoting sustainability.

Seaweed Proteins: A Step towards Sustainability?

“…Seaweed cultivation practices significantly influence its nutritional composition, particularly concerning protein content. Cultivated seaweed tends to exhibit higher protein levels compared to wild algae [ 6 , 12 ]. This disparity arises due to the controlled environments of seaweed farms, where nutrient-rich conditions promote robust growth and protein accumulation.…”

“…This disparity arises due to the controlled environments of seaweed farms, where nutrient-rich conditions promote robust growth and protein accumulation. In contrast, wild algae often grow in nutrient-limited marine habitats, resulting in a comparatively lower protein content [ 6 ].…”

“…Optimal conditions promote efficient photosynthesis and metabolic processes, leading to higher protein accumulation. Moreover, the developmental stage of seaweed during cultivation can influence protein content, with certain growth phases favoring protein synthesis [ 6 , 12 ].…”

“…By adopting responsible cultivation practices, maximizing resource efficiency, promoting carbon sequestration, preserving biodiversity, and implementing effective waste management strategies, the seaweed industry can minimize its ecological footprint and contribute to the long-term health and resilience of marine ecosystems [ 127 ]. Embracing sustainability principles ensures that seaweed protein production remains environmentally sound, socially responsible, and economically viable for generations to come [ 6 ].…”

“…Traditionally valued for its culinary uses in various Asian cuisines, seaweed is now garnering attention for its protein content and sustainability credentials [ 5 ]. Seaweed cultivation requires minimal freshwater, land, and fertilizers, making it a highly sustainable protein source compared to land-based agriculture [ 6 ]. Moreover, seaweed cultivation can sequester carbon dioxide and mitigate ocean acidification, further enhancing its environmental benefits [ 7 ].…”