Recent trends in edible algae functional proteins: Production, bio-functional properties, and sustainable food packaging applications

Oct 6, 2024Food chemistry

Recent developments in edible algae proteins: production, health benefits, and sustainable food packaging uses

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Circadian Biology on OpenScience ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Abstract

The review highlights the notable surge in the development of edible algae protein-based sustainable food packaging.

Algae protein offers a biodegradable and renewable alternative to traditional packaging materials.
Diverse algae species and sustainable cultivation methods may provide future protein sources.
Algae's higher photosynthetic efficiency and reduced growth cycle support its viability as a protein source.
Algal proteins exhibit unique properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects.
The excellent gas barrier and mechanical strength of algal proteins enhance their suitability for food packaging.
Advanced functionalities like freshness monitoring and active preservation techniques are being explored for commercial use.

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In recent years, there has been a notable surge in the development and adoption of edible algae protein-based sustainable food packaging, which presents a promising alternative to traditional materials due to its biodegradability, renewability, and minimal environmental impact. Hence, this review aims to emphasize the sources, cultivation, and downstream potential of algal protein and protein complexes. Moreover, it comprehensively examines the advancements in utilizing protein complexes for smart and active packaging applications, while also addressing the challenges that must be overcome for the widespread commercial adoption of algal proteins to meet industry 4.0. The review revealed that the diversity of algae species and their sustainable cultivation methods offers a promising alternative to traditional protein sources. Being vegan source with higher photosynthetic conversion efficiency and reduced growth cycle has permitted the proposition of algae as proteins of the future. The unique combination of techno-functional combined with bio-functional properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial response have captured the sustainable groups to invest considerable research and promote the innovations in algal proteins. Food packaging research has increasingly benefited by the excellent gas barrier property and superior mechanical strength of algal proteins either stand alone or in synergy with other biodegradable polymers. Advanced packaging functionality such as freshness monitoring and active preservation techniques has been explored and needs considerable characterization for commercial advancement. Overall, while algal proteins show promising downstream potential in various industries aligned with Industry 4.0 principles, their broader adoption hinges on overcoming these barriers through continued innovation and strategic development.

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Recent trends in edible algae functional proteins: Production, bio-functional properties, and sustainable food packaging applications

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