Title:
Exploring Marine Microalgae Exopolysaccharides as Bio-based Materials for Packaging
Author(s):
Dias, C., Fernando, A.L.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
The search for sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic packaging is driving the development of bio-based materials with enhanced functionality. The demand for biodegradable and renewable substitutes for fossil-based plastics has intensified due to the urgent need for safer and environmentally friendly options. Among natural polymers, exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by marine microalgae are gaining attention owing to their biocompatibility, structural diversity, and potential bioactivity. Despite this potential, the use of microalgal EPS in packaging systems remains largely unexplored. This work provides an overview of the current knowledge on marine microalgal EPS, emphasizing their chemical composition (mainly composed of the monomers glucose, galactose, mannose, xylose, uronic acids, among others) that confer distinct physicochemical properties. Strategies to enhance EPS production include nutrient limitation, high salinity, or light intensity stress, which can significantly increase yield and modify composition. Extraction and isolation are typically achieved through ethanol precipitation, centrifugation, and ultrafiltration, enabling the recovery of high-purity EPS fractions suitable for material development. The functional properties of these biopolymers, such as film-forming ability, emulsifying capacity, and viscosity enhancement, are particularly relevant for packaging applications. Moreover, the incorporation of bioactive pigments such as carotenoids and chlorophylls allows the creation of multifunctional materials with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, while also enabling color-based indicators for intelligent packaging. Marine microalgae from Portuguese coastal ecosystems represent an untapped resource for the sustainable production of both EPS and natural pigments. By integrating these bio-based components, it is possible to design fully biodegradable films with intrinsic bioactivity, contributing to the transition toward marine-derived active and intelligent packaging within a circular bioeconomy framework.
Keywords:
circular bioeconomy, marine microalgae, biodegradable packaging, active packaging, natural pigments, exopolysaccharides
Topic:
Biomass Conversion to Biomaterials and Chemicals
Subtopic:
Processes for bio-materials, bio-polymers and bioplastics
Event:
34th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
6CV.7.21
Pages:
1041 - 1046
ISBN:
978-88-89407-27-1
Paper DOI:
10.5071/34thEUBCE2026-6CV.7.21
Price:
FREE
