About this Research Topic
The field of marine macroalgae research has seen a significant surge in interest due to its potential applications in environmental sustainability and human health. With over 11,000 species identified, marine macroalgae are recognized for their rich content of carbohydrates, proteins, and secondary metabolites, which are biologically valuable for various medical and industrial applications. Recent studies have highlighted their potential in treating chronic diseases, offering immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, anti-cancer, and anti-microbial properties. Additionally, marine macroalgae are being explored as a promising feedstock for biofuel production, utilizing technologies such as thermochemical conversion and anaerobic digestion. However, challenges remain, particularly concerning the rigidity of cell walls and the presence of inhibitory compounds that affect biological processes. Despite these hurdles, the diverse biodiversity and habitat adaptability of marine macroalgae underscore their relevance in pharmacotherapy and bioenergy sectors. There is a pressing need for comprehensive research to fully characterize these species and optimize their applications.
This research topic aims to explore the multifaceted applications of marine macroalgae, focusing on their potential for bioenergy production and biomedical uses. The primary objectives include understanding the biochemical composition of marine macroalgae, developing innovative processing techniques, and addressing the challenges associated with their utilization. Key questions include how to effectively disintegrate cell walls for bioenergy conversion and how to maximize the extraction of bioactive compounds for medical applications. By addressing these questions, the research seeks to enhance the understanding and practical use of marine macroalgae in various fields.
To gather further insights into the applications and challenges of marine macroalgae, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Full characterization of different marine macroalgae for bioenergy and bioactive compounds.
- Various harvesting and processing techniques for marine macroalgae.
- Innovative bioprocessing technologies (such as fermentation, microbial fuel cells, anaerobic digestion, and thermochemical conversion) for bioenergy production.
- Emerging processes for bioactive extraction and purification.
- Challenges associated with the marine macroalgal biomass used for various applications.
- Life-cycle and techno-economic analysis of marine macroalgae.
- Biomedical applications of bioactive compounds from marine macroalgae (such as chronic diseases and metabolic syndrome).
This research topic aims to explore the multifaceted applications of marine macroalgae, focusing on their potential for bioenergy production and biomedical uses. The primary objectives include understanding the biochemical composition of marine macroalgae, developing innovative processing techniques, and addressing the challenges associated with their utilization. Key questions include how to effectively disintegrate cell walls for bioenergy conversion and how to maximize the extraction of bioactive compounds for medical applications. By addressing these questions, the research seeks to enhance the understanding and practical use of marine macroalgae in various fields.
To gather further insights into the applications and challenges of marine macroalgae, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Full characterization of different marine macroalgae for bioenergy and bioactive compounds.
- Various harvesting and processing techniques for marine macroalgae.
- Innovative bioprocessing technologies (such as fermentation, microbial fuel cells, anaerobic digestion, and thermochemical conversion) for bioenergy production.
- Emerging processes for bioactive extraction and purification.
- Challenges associated with the marine macroalgal biomass used for various applications.
- Life-cycle and techno-economic analysis of marine macroalgae.
- Biomedical applications of bioactive compounds from marine macroalgae (such as chronic diseases and metabolic syndrome).
Keywords: seaweed, marine seaweed, biomedical application, biofuel
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
