Green seaweed Ulva spp. bioprocessing: Bioactive molecules, emerging extraction technologies, and industrial applications in the circular bioeconomy
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: • Ulva spp. combine rapid growth, carbon capture, and high biorefinery value. • Ulva biomass provides ulvan, lipids, vitamins, and diverse bioactives. • Eco-efficient extraction improves Ulva bioactive yield and product quality. • Cascading biorefineries enable multiproduct Ulva valorization and circularity. • Controlled cultivation and standardization are key for scalable Ulva applications. Ulva spp., commonly known as sea lettuce, are versatile green macroalgae that offer strong potential for integration into emerging blue and circular bioeconomies. Ulva is a fast-growing and nutrient-tolerant species that produces renewable biomass rich in bioactive compounds with economic potential. This review summarizes advances in the characterization, extraction, and industrial utilization of Ulva biomass, highlighting opportunities for scalable biorefinery approaches. Key bioactive classes include sulfated polysaccharides (ulvans), proteins and peptides, polyunsaturated fatty acids, pigments, and phenolic compounds, which exhibit diverse antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Recent developments in green extraction technologies, such as ultrasound-, microwave-, and enzyme-assisted methods, as well as supercritical fluids and deep eutectic solvents, have improved yields in processing Ulva biomass while reducing environmental impact. Beyond laboratory studies, industrial applications are expanding across the food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and biomaterial sectors, supported by growing interest in sustainable marine ingredients. However, challenges remain in biomass standardization, taxonomy, large-scale cultivation, and regulatory approval. Integrating Ulva within a circular bioeconomy requires harmonized methodologies and life-cycle assessments to ensure economic and environmental sustainability. Ulva spp. combine rapid growth, carbon capture, and a unique spectrum of bioactive compounds, making them a versatile and scalable marine feedstock for sustainable, circular biorefineries across food, health, and material applications.
Source: Bioresource Technology
Institutions: Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Universidad de Sevilla, Universitat de València, Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, LAQV Requimte, University of Aveiro, University of Haifa, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Universidade do Porto, Bilecik Şeyh Edebali Üniversitesi, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul University, University of Malta
Language: English
Subfield: Aquatic Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,880
Funders: Universidad de Sevilla, Consejería de Transformación Económica, Industria, Conocimiento y Universidades, European Cooperation in Science and Technology, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Malta Council for Science and Technology, Federación Española de Enfermedades Raras, Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior, Junta de Andalucía, Laboratório Associado para a Química Verde, Centro de Estudos Ambientais e Marinhos, Universidade de Aveiro, Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, European Regional Development Fund, Agencia Estatal de Investigación
Awards: G1172344086, G1448506840, G1678471058, G1826204064, ALICE - Laboratório Associado em Engenharia Química, G2733542715, G2736865772, G2853885070, Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, G3480869486, G3537227798, G4090066734, G4721828077, Laboratório de Engenharia de Processos, Ambiente, Biotecnologia e Energia, G4971484151, G5088119131, G5868275067, G5896788894, G6033112984, G6611783515, G6701175450, G6997928969, G7084143925, G7549035430, G8157946703, G8322005486
OpenAlex ID: W7125432504