POTENTIAL OF COMBINING SEAWEED EXTRACT AND FUNGAL MYCELIUM IN ECO-FRIENDLY BIOPLASTICS: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Authors

  • Rosda Teja Kusumawati Universitas Padjadjaran
  • Nurhaliza Winda Puspita Universitas Padjadjaran
  • Santi Rukminita Anggraeni Universitas Padjadjaran

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36526/biosense.v9i4.9766

Keywords:

bioplastics, seaweed, fungal mycelium, biodegradation, biocomposites

Abstract

Petroleum based plastic waste causes serious ecological damage, particularly in marine environments, thereby increasing interest in biodegradable alternatives. Seaweed polysaccharides and fungal mycelium are renewable raw materials, each of which has limitations in terms of film-forming properties. This narrative review summarizes the characteristics of seaweed-based and mycelium-based bioplastics, compares their reported mechanical and biodegradation properties, and evaluates the prospects for combining them into a single biocomposite. A literature search was conducted on ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate, and 47 publications (20 core studies, including one preprint, and 27 supporting publications) were selected for thematic synthesis. Reported tensile strengths ranged from 0.54 to 45.07 MPa for seaweed films and from 0.7 to 12.3 MPa for mycelium-based materials (24.21 MPa for one engineered material), while seaweed films modified with chitosan reached 25 MPa. Biodegradation results were obtained under different testing conditions and cannot be directly compared. No studies have yet reported on seaweed bioplastic films combined with mycelium; however, compositions such as mycelium with alginate and seaweed with chitosan suggest that these two polysaccharide-rich materials may be compatible. Standardized testing, formulation studies, and life-cycle assessments are needed to validate this concept.

Author Biographies

Rosda Teja Kusumawati, Universitas Padjadjaran

Mahasiswa Program Studi Ilmu Kelautan, Fakultas Perikanan dan Ilmu Kelautan. Berfokus pada penelitian di bidang bioteknologi kelautan, pemanfaatan dan pengembangan biomaterial dari bahan alam laut

Nurhaliza Winda Puspita, Universitas Padjadjaran

Mahasiswa Program Studi Ilmu Kelautan, Fakultas Perikanan dan Ilmu Kelautan. Memiliki fokus penelitian di bidang bioteknologi kelautan dan pengembangan biomaterial dari bahan alam laut

Santi Rukminita Anggraeni, Universitas Padjadjaran

Dosen Program Studi Ilmu Kelautan, Fakultas Perikanan dan Ilmu Kelautan. Berdfokus pada penelitian di bidang bioteknologi kelautan dan pengembangan biomaterial dari bahan alam laut terutama rumput laut.

References

Adam, F., Othman, N. A., Yasin, N. H. M., Cheng, C. K., & Azman, N. A. M. (2022). Evaluation of Reinforced and Green Bioplastic from Carrageenan Seaweed with Nanocellulose. Fibers and Polymers, 23(10), 2885–2896. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12221-022-4006-6

Appels, F. V. W., Camere, S., Montalti, M., Karana, E., Jansen, K. M. B., Dijksterhuis, J., Krijgsheld, P., & Wösten, H. A. B. (2019). Fabrication factors influencing mechanical, moisture- and water-related properties of mycelium-based composites. Materials & Design, 161, 64–71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2018.11.027

Appels, F. V. W., van den Brandhof, J. G., Dijksterhuis, J., de Kort, G. W., & Wösten, H. A. B. (2020). Fungal mycelium classified in different material families based on glycerol treatment. Communications Biology, 3(1), 334. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-020-1064-4

Attias, N., Danai, O., Abitbol, T., Tarazi, E., Ezov, N., Pereman, I., & Grobman, Y. J. (2020). Mycelium bio-composites in industrial design and architecture: Comparative review and experimental analysis. Journal of Cleaner Production, 246, 119037. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.119037

Ayala, M., Arlov, Ø., Nøkling-Eide, K., Sœther, M., Dore, C., Vidal, J., Zhou, Q., Wang, S., Michalak, L., Kyvik, A., Jolain, B., Aubel, L., Strand Jacobsen, S., & Pizzol, M. (2024). A supply-chain perspective on producing and upscaling bioplastic from cultivated brown seaweed. Journal of Cleaner Production, 444, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.141248

Bagheri, A. R., Laforsch, C., Greiner, A., & Agarwal, S. (2017). Fate of So‐Called Biodegradable Polymers in Seawater and Freshwater. Global Challenges, 1(4). https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.201700048

Basyuni, M., Puspita, M., Rahmania, R., Albasri, H., Pratama, I., Purbani, D., Aznawi, A. A., Mubaraq, A., Al Mustaniroh, S. S., Menne, F., Rahmila, Y. I., Salmo III, S. G., Susilowati, A., Larekeng, S. H., Ardli, E., & Kajita, T. (2024). Current biodiversity status, distribution, and prospects of seaweed in Indonesia: A systematic review. Heliyon, 10(10), e31073. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31073

Bordeos, M. E. R., Dagalea, F. M. S., & Vicencio, M. C. G. (2024). Characterization of a Bioplastic Product from the Ulva reticulata (Ribbon Sea Lettuce) Extract. Asian Journal of Chemical Sciences, 14(2), 161–168. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajocs/2024/v14i2301

BSN. (2022). SNI 7188-7:2022: Kriteria ekolabel – Bagian 7: Kategori produk, kemasan produk dan wadah bioplastik yang dapat dikomposkan.

Campo, V. L., Kawano, D. F., Silva, D. B. da, & Carvalho, I. (2009). Carrageenans: Biological properties, chemical modifications and structural analysis – A review. Carbohydrate Polymers, 77(2), 167–180. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2009.01.020

Cerimi, K., Akkaya, K. C., Pohl, C., Schmidt, B., & Neubauer, P. (2019). Fungi as source for new bio-based materials: a patent review. Fungal Biology and Biotechnology, 6(1), 17. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40694-019-0080-y

Chen, H., Abdullayev, A., Bekheet, M. F., Schmidt, B., Regler, I., Pohl, C., Vakifahmetoglu, C., Czasny, M., Kamm, P. H., Meyer, V., Gurlo, A., & Simon, U. (2021). Extrusion-based additive manufacturing of fungal-based composite materials using the tinder fungus Fomes fomentarius. Fungal Biology and Biotechnology, 8(1), 21. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40694-021-00129-0

Cui, J., Xu, M., Li, T., Hao, Y., Wang, Q., Zhao, L., Chen, L., Shi, G., & Ding, Z. (2026). Bottom-up fabrication of high-strength mycelium-based materials: Tween as a bioregulator of mycelium growth. Materials Horizons, 13(18), 9321–9338. https://doi.org/10.1039/D6MH01176D

Duarte, C. M., Wu, J., Xiao, X., Bruhn, A., & Krause-Jensen, D. (2017). Can Seaweed Farming Play a Role in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation? Frontiers in Marine Science, 4. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2017.00100

Elsabee, M. Z., & Abdou, E. S. (2013). Chitosan based edible films and coatings: A review. Materials Science and Engineering: C, 33(4), 1819–1841. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msec.2013.01.010

Elsacker, E., Vandelook, S., Brancart, J., Peeters, E., & De Laet, L. (2019). Mechanical, physical and chemical characterisation of mycelium-based composites with different types of lignocellulosic substrates. PLOS ONE, 14(7), e0213954. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0213954

Fazli Wan Nawawi, W. M., Lee, K.-Y., Kontturi, E., Murphy, R. J., & Bismarck, A. (2019). Chitin Nanopaper from Mushroom Extract: Natural Composite of Nanofibers and Glucan from a Single Biobased Source. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 7(7), 6492–6496. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.9b00721

Fredricks, J. L., Jimenez, A. M., Grandgeorge, P., Meidl, R., Law, E., Fan, J., & Roumeli, E. (2023). Hierarchical biopolymer-based materials and composites. Journal of Polymer Science, 61(21), 2585–2632. https://doi.org/10.1002/pol.20230126

Geyer, R., Jambeck, J. R., & Law, K. L. (2017). Production, use, and fate of all plastics ever made. Science Advances, 3(7). https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.1700782

Girometta, C., Picco, A. M., Baiguera, R. M., Dondi, D., Babbini, S., Cartabia, M., Pellegrini, M., & Savino, E. (2019). Physico-Mechanical and Thermodynamic Properties of Mycelium-Based Biocomposites: A Review. Sustainability, 11(1), 281. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11010281

Gomaa, M., Hifney, A. F., Fawzy, M. A., & Abdel-Gawad, K. M. (2018). Use of seaweed and filamentous fungus derived polysaccharides in the development of alginate-chitosan edible films containing fucoidan: Study of moisture sorption, polyphenol release and antioxidant properties. Food Hydrocolloids, 82, 1–35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodhyd.2018.03.056

Gow, N. A. R., Latge, J.-P., & Munro, C. A. (2017). The Fungal Cell Wall: Structure, Biosynthesis, and Function. Microbiology Spectrum, 5(3). https://doi.org/10.1128/microbiolspec.FUNK-0035-2016

Haider, T. P., Völker, C., Kramm, J., Landfester, K., & Wurm, F. R. (2019). Plastics of the Future? The Impact of Biodegradable Polymers on the Environment and on Society. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 58(1), 50–62. https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.201805766

Haneef, M., Ceseracciu, L., Canale, C., Bayer, I. S., Heredia-Guerrero, J. A., & Athanassiou, A. (2017). Advanced Materials From Fungal Mycelium: Fabrication and Tuning of Physical Properties. Scientific Reports, 7(1), 41292. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep41292

Hanry, E. L., & Surugau, N. (2023). Optimization of biomass-to-water ratio and glycerol content to develop bioplastics from whole seaweed, Kappaphycus alvarezii. Research Square, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-2757261/v1

Hottle, T. A., Bilec, M. M., & Landis, A. E. (2013). Sustainability assessments of bio-based polymers. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 98(9), 1898–1907. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2013.06.016

Jambeck, J. R., Geyer, R., Wilcox, C., Siegler, T. R., Perryman, M., Andrady, A., Narayan, R., & Law, K. L. (2015). Plastic waste inputs from land into the ocean. Science, 347(6223), 768–771. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1260352

Jayakody, M. M., Vanniarachchy, M. P. G., & Wijesekara, I. (2022). Seaweed derived alginate, agar, and carrageenan based edible coatings and films for the food industry: a review. Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization, 16(2), 1195–1227. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11694-021-01277-y

Jones, M., Mautner, A., Luenco, S., Bismarck, A., & John, S. (2020). Engineered mycelium composite construction materials from fungal biorefineries: A critical review. Materials & Design, 187, 108397. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2019.108397

Karan, H., Funk, C., Grabert, M., Oey, M., & Hankamer, B. (2019). Green Bioplastics as Part of a Circular Bioeconomy. Trends in Plant Science, 24(3), 237–249. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tplants.2018.11.010

Khan, N. M., Chakma, P., Uddin, M. S., & Monirul Hasan, C. M. (2024). Preparation and Characterization of Biodegradable Plastic from Red Seaweed (Gracilaria sp.) from Coastal Areas in Bangladesh. ChemistrySelect, 9(34). https://doi.org/10.1002/slct.202401990

Kohphaisansombat, C., Jongpipitaporn, Y., Laoratanakul, P., Tantipaibulvut, S., Euanorasetr, J., Rungjindamai, N., Chuaseeharonnachai, C., Kwantong, P., Somrithipol, S., & Boonyuen, N. (2023). Fabrication of mycelium (oyster mushroom)-based composites derived from spent coffee grounds with pineapple fibre reinforcement. Mycology, 15(4), 665–682. https://doi.org/10.1080/21501203.2023.2273355

Kumar, R., Lalnundiki, V., Shelare, S. D., Abhishek, G. J., Sharma, S., Sharma, D., Kumar, A., & Abbas, M. (2024). An investigation of the environmental implications of bioplastics: Recent advancements on the development of environmentally friendly bioplastics solutions. Environmental Research, 244, 1. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2023.117707

Lee, K. Y., & Mooney, D. J. (2012). Alginate: Properties and biomedical applications. Progress in Polymer Science, 37(1), 106–126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2011.06.003

Marsa, Y., Susanto, A. B., & Pramesti, R. (2023). Bioplastik dari Karagenan Kappaphycus alvarezii dengan Penambahan Carboxymethyl Chitosan dan Gliserol. Buletin Oseanografi Marina, 12(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.14710/buloma.v12i1.42859

Narancic, T., Verstichel, S., Reddy Chaganti, S., Morales-Gamez, L., Kenny, S. T., De Wilde, B., Babu Padamati, R., & O’Connor, K. E. (2018). Biodegradable Plastic Blends Create New Possibilities for End-of-Life Management of Plastics but They Are Not a Panacea for Plastic Pollution. Environmental Science & Technology, 52(18), 10441–10452. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.8b02963

Putri, D. A. L., Ridlo, A., & Hartati, R. (2025). The Characteristics of Bioplastic Made from Sodium Alginate and Kappa Carrageenan. Jurnal Kelautan Tropis, 28(1), 97–106. https://doi.org/10.14710/jkt.v28i1.25887

Ridlo, A., Sedjati, S., Supriyantini, E., & Putri, O. K. (2022). Karakteristik Biofilm Komposit CMC- Gliserol-Alginat dari Sargassum sp pada Perlakuan dengan Kalsium Klorida. Jurnal Kelautan Tropis, 25(2), 257–265. https://doi.org/10.14710/jkt.v25i2.13773

Rosenboom, J.-G., Langer, R., & Traverso, G. (2022). Bioplastics for a circular economy. Nature Reviews Materials, 7(2), 117–137. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41578-021-00407-8

Santana, I., Felix, M., & Bengoechea, C. (2024). Seaweed as Basis of Eco-Sustainable Plastic Materials: Focus on Alginate. In Polymers (Vol. 16, Number 12). Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI). https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16121662

Sarkar, A. K., Yang, Z., Astruc, T., & Amdursky, N. (2024). Aqueous-Based Assembly of Plant-Derived Proteins Yields a Crosslinker-Free Biodegradable Bioplastic Consistent with Green Chemistry Principles. ChemSusChem, 1. https://doi.org/10.1002/cssc.202401567

Shao, G., Xu, D., Xu, Z., Jin, Y., Wu, F., Yang, N., & Xu, X. (2024). Green and sustainable biomaterials: Edible bioplastic films from mushroom mycelium. Food Hydrocolloids, 146, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodhyd.2023.109289

Sinaga, M. Z. E., Gea, S., Zuhra, C. F., Sihombing, Y. A., Zaidar, E., Sebayang, F., & Ningsih, T. U. (2021). The effect of plasticizers and chitosan concentration on the structure and properties of Gracilaria sp.-based thin films for food packaging purpose. Polimery/Polymers, 66(2), 119–126. https://doi.org/10.14314/POLIMERY.2021.2.5

Vandelook, S., Elsacker, E., Van Wylick, A., De Laet, L., & Peeters, E. (2021). Current state and future prospects of pure mycelium materials. Fungal Biology and Biotechnology, 8(1), 20. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40694-021-00128-1

Vieira, T. M., Moldão-Martins, M., & Alves, V. D. (2021). Design of Chitosan and Alginate Emulsion-Based Formulations for the Production of Monolayer Crosslinked Edible Films and Coatings. Foods, 10(7), 1654. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10071654

Yang, L., Park, D., & Qin, Z. (2021). Material Function of Mycelium-Based Bio-Composite: A Review. Frontiers in Materials, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmats.2021.737377

Zaghbib, I., Abdullah, J. A. A., & Romero, A. (2024). Development of a Multifunctional Chitosan-Based Composite Film from Crab Shell (Portunus segnis) and Algae (Ulva lactuca) with Enhanced Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties for Active Food Packaging. Foods, 14(1), 53. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14010053

Zheng, J., & Suh, S. (2019). Strategies to reduce the global carbon footprint of plastics. Nature Climate Change, 9(5), 374–378. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-019-0459-z

Downloads

Published

2026-10-31

How to Cite

Kusumawati, R. T., Nurhaliza Winda Puspita, & Santi Rukminita Anggraeni. (2026). POTENTIAL OF COMBINING SEAWEED EXTRACT AND FUNGAL MYCELIUM IN ECO-FRIENDLY BIOPLASTICS: A NARRATIVE REVIEW. JURNAL BIOSENSE, 9(4), 1027–1032. https://doi.org/10.36526/biosense.v9i4.9766

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 4 (2026): Edisi Oktober 2026

Section

Artikel

License

Copyright (c) 2026 JURNAL BIOSENSE

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.