Marine plants, including macroalgae and seagrass, show promise as biorenewable feedstocks for sustainable chemical manufacturing. This study explores their potential in producing 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), a versatile platform chemical for commodity polymers. FDCA-based polyethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate offers a sustainable alternative to petroleum-derived polyethylene terephthalate, commonly used in plastic bottles. Our research pioneers the concept of a marine plant-based FDCA biorefinery, introducing innovative approaches for sustainability and cost-effectiveness. This review outlines the use of ionic liquid-based solvents (ILS) and deep eutectic solvent (DES) systems in FDCA production. Additionally, we propose biomodification strategies involving target enzyme-encoding genes to enhance the depolymerization of non-structural storage glucans in marine plants. Our findings pave the way for eco-friendly biorefineries and biorenewable plastics.
Keywords: Biorefinery; Biorenewable plastics; FDCA; Macroalgae; Seagrass.
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