Bio-Based Products from Mediterranean Seaweeds: Italian Opportunities and Challenges for a Sustainable Blue Economy

Abstract

Seaweeds are attracting increasing attention as an alternative healthy food and renewable drugs source and as agents of climate change mitigation that provide essential ecosystem services. In this context, seaweeds represent marine resources capable of supporting and pursuing the objectives of the Sustainable Blue Economy and the Bio-Based Circular Economy. In this review, we analyze the state of seaweed bio-based products and research on the Mediterranean Sea from the last 20 years. Results of this analysis show a large number of investigations focusing on antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities compared to on biofuels and bioplastics. Attempts at seaweed farming, although generally very limited, are present in Israel and some North African countries. Lastly, we focus on the Italian situation—including research, companies and legislation on seaweed production—and we discuss gaps, perspectives and challenges for the potential development of a sustainable seaweed industry according to the Sustainable Blue Economy.

Commercial Seaweed Liquid Extract as Strawberry Biostimulants and Bioethanol Production

“…Despite the Mediterranean having just 0.82% of the world’s ocean’s surface area and 0.32% of its volume, it is the biggest and deepest confined sea and a marine biodiversity hotspot [ 32 , 33 ]. The Mediterranean Sea is home to around 1124 seaweed species, at least 20% of which are indigenous [ 34 , 35 ] and which are represented throughout the year. However, this area needs to be taken in our consideration, as it faces anthropogenic activity, ocean acidification [ 36 , 37 ], microplastic pollution [ 38 ], etc.…”

“…The biochemistry, mineral content, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial activity of these organisms are well studied [ 27 , 29 , 36 ]. Seaweeds have been used as biostimulants for centuries, but have become more widely accepted over the past 15–20 years, particularly in organic agriculture [ 1 , 4 , 7 , 8 , 35 , 39 , 40 ]. Seaweed extracts provide a widely available source of nutrients and biomolecules that enhance both soil and plant.…”

The potential of biostimulants on soil microbial community: a review

“…In the first century, the application of seaweed metabolites in the agricultural system was reported when the Roman Columella made use of organic manure and mulch treatments on agrarian fields (Armeli Minicante et al, 2022). The prevalence of the application of seaweed extracts in agricultural practice makes up foliar and has the potential to reduce abiotic stress associated with environmental factors, among which is drought tolerance (Samuels et al, 2022).…”

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

“…Moreover, seaweed species like dulse, nori, and wakame have a broad range of applications. They can be utilized as a renewable source of bioenergy, serving as a feedstock for the production of biofuels and biogas [91]. Seaweed also holds immense potential as a feedstock for the production of biobased materials, such as bioplastics and biofertilizers, offering sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based products [92].…”