Speaker
Description
Microalgal starch is emerging as a promising and environmentally responsible resource for bioplastic production at a time when global dependence on conventional plastics continues to escalate. Because microalgae accumulate starch rapidly, exhibit flexible biochemical composition, and do not require arable land, they offer a sustainable alternative to terrestrial crops traditionally used for polymer feedstocks. This review examines the current landscape of starch extraction strategies, including mechanical cell disruption, enzymatic hydrolysis, and greener processing approaches, with emphasis on how these methods influence starch purity, granule structure, and overall yield. The unique physicochemical attributes of microalgal starch such as its nanoscale granule size, high surface area, and species‑specific crystalline organization are discussed in relation to thermal transitions, gelatinization behaviour, and suitability for film formation. Building on these fundamental characteristics, recent research has demonstrated the growing potential of microalgal starch in thermoplastic starch materials and other biodegradable formulations. Despite this progress, significant challenges remain, such as low biomass productivity at scale, high processing costs, and limited cross‑species comparative data. The review underscores the need for deeper understanding of structure–property relationships across taxa and for integrating techno‑economic and life‑cycle assessments to guide future development of microalgae‑derived bioplastics.
| Topic Area | Design Optimization, Additive Manufacturing Technologies & Applications |
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