Algae-derived Nanocellulose: A Sustainable Resource for Advanced Material Applications

In recent years, research efforts have increasingly focused on the development of products derived from biodegradable materials. Among these, nanocellulose has emerged as a highly promising green material, gaining traction across a variety of industries due to its remarkable properties. Its advantageous attributes, including a high aspect ratio, biocompatibility, renewability, and exceptional mechanical strength, have captured widespread interest. With the rapid growth in industrial production, some companies are now manufacturing nanocellulose on a scale of tons per day, signaling its growing commercial viability across various sectors. These cellulose-based nanomaterials possess unique structural features that enable surface chemistry modifications, thereby advancing the development of composites, films, and coatings. Moreover, they have demonstrated significant potential in engineering and biomedical applications. Nanocellulose can be sourced from plants, bacteria, and algae, and is classified into cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), and bacterial nanocellulose (BNC). The remarkable attributes of algae-derived nanocellulose are primarily linked to its exceptional purity and unparalleled quality. Algae biomass offers distinct advantages over conventional lignocellulosic sources for nanocellulose production, particularly in terms of availability, ease of processing, and material quality. However, its utilization remains limited compared to lignocellulose-based alternatives. This review presents an in-depth exploration of extraction methodologies for algal nanocellulose and its versatile applications across a wide range of industries.