TY - GEN A1 - List, Manuela A1 - Maurischat, Jan T1 - Extraction of Protein-Based Biopolymers from Algae and Food Byproducts N2 - Protein-based biopolymers extracted from food by- and waste products, as well as algae offer an advantageous route to mitigate the influence of non-degradable plastics in the environment. This study focuses on the extraction of biopolymers from various algae species (Gracilaria spinuligeria., Auxenochlorella pyrenoidosa, and Spirulina platensis) and food by-products such as corn gluten meal and wheat gluten. The extraction process employs an organic solvent with a dielectric constant ε(25°C)= 42. Different concentrations of the starting material and varying extraction times were tested to optimize yield and quality of the biopolymers. The sample composition was analyzed using Py-GC/MS, HPLC, IC, TGA and elemental analysis. Results indicated that the chlorine concentration in the saltwater algae (Gracilaria spinuligeria) was excessively high, making it unsuitable for use due to the further concentration of chlorine in the extract. Additionally, the film-forming properties of biopolymers extracted from Gracilaria spinuligeria were less ideal compared to those derived from wheat and corn gluten. Spirulina platensis and Auxenochlorella pyrenoidosa lack a significant prolamin fraction and cannot be extracted as effectively as corn gluten meal and wheat gluten. The film forming capabilities and thermal properties of corn and wheat gluten film, as well as fresh water algae films, showed promising results. These findings suggest significant variations in the extraction efficiency and biopolymer characteristics based on the type of raw material and extraction parameters. These insights are crucial for the sustainable production of biopolymers, with potential applications in various industries, including food packaging and bioplastics. KW - extraction KW - algae KW - food byproducts KW - protein-based biopolymers Y1 - 2024 ER -