Title
Algal nanocellulose: a potential resource for advanced biomaterials
Authors
SHUBHAM KALAMKAR, ARPUTHARAJ ANTHONYSAMY, BHARIMALLA ASHOKKUMAR, CHARLENE D’SOUZA, RAJESH KADAM and VIGNESHWARAN NADANATHANGAM

Received June 5, 2025
Published Volume 59 Issue 9-10 October-December
Keywords algae, nanocellulose, sustainability, valorisation

Abstract
Nanocellulose, a nanosized form of cellulose, has emerged as a transformative material with unique properties, such as biodegradability, mechanical strength, and large surface area, making it highly valuable for untapped applications such as biomedicine, bioplastics, environmental remediation, and energy storage. Although lignocellulosic biomass remains the primary source of cellulose, its high energy requirements contribute to deforestation and environmental degradation. Consequently, algae have emerged as sustainable alternatives owing to their high cellulose purity, rapid growth and minimal requirements of resources. Nano-sized cellulose, such as nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC), bacterial nanocellulose (BNC), and cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs), is gaining attention due to its unique properties, such as large surface-to-volume ratio, mechanical strength, tunable surface chemistry, biocompatibility etc. This review focuses on the production, characterisation and application of algal nanocellulose, covering extraction techniques (chemical, enzymatic, and green solvent-based methods) and recent advancements in genetic engineering for higher cellulose yield and commercial challenges. A life cycle assessment (LCA) comparison of algal and plant-derived nanocellulose is discussed. Key areas, such as the integration of biorefinery approaches and emerging biomedicine applications, are explored to tackle scalability as well as sustainability issues. Finally, regulatory guidelines (ISO, FDA, EFSA) and future research directions are explored to provide comprehensive solutions for scaling up algal nanocellulose into emerging applications.