BIOTECHNOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF SEAWEEDS OF THE ZOSTERACEAE FAMILY: TARGET COMPONENTS, EXTRACTION METHODS AND DIRECTIONS OF APPLICATION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35546/kntu2078-4481.2025.3.1.16Keywords:
seagrasses, biomass, bioenergy, circular economy, sustainable development, wasteAbstract
This article explores the biotechnological potential of seagrasses of the family Zosteraceae, with a particular emphasis on Zostera marina from the Black Sea basin. The ecological role of these species as keystone components of coastal ecosystems is considered, alongside the issue of annual storm-cast accumulations, which remain an insufficiently utilized biomass resource. Contemporary knowledge on the chemical composition of Z. marina is summarized, highlighting polysaccharides (cellulose, hemicelluloses, pectins), lipids, phenolic metabolites, and mineral elements. Potential application areas are identified, including the production of biofuels, functional food and pharmaceutical ingredients, paper and packaging materials, as well as plant-based biocomposites. Particular attention is given to extraction and processing approaches – such as organic and supercritical fluid extraction, enzymatic hydrolysis, and microbial fermentation – that allow efficient recovery of target compounds and support the development of high value-added products. It is argued that the integrated, multistage processing of Zosteraceae biomass can ensure waste minimization, foster the transition to circular economy models, and contribute to the sustainable use of marine resources. The rational utilization of storm-cast seagrasses is concluded to provide dual benefits: mitigating environmental pressure on Black Sea coastal ecosystems and creating a foundation for innovative, resource-efficient industries in Ukraine. These findings highlight the potential of Zosteraceae to support the advancement of the blue bioeconomy and align national priorities with modern European sustainable development strategies.
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