Eco-Friendly Depolymerization of Alginates by H 2 O 2 and High-Frequency Ultrasonication

Yun Ha Song, Hee Chul Woo () and Jaekyoung Lee ()
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Yun Ha Song: Department of Chemical Engineering, Pukyong National University, Busan 48547, Republic of Korea
Hee Chul Woo: Department of Chemical Engineering, Pukyong National University, Busan 48547, Republic of Korea
Jaekyoung Lee: Department of Chemical Engineering, Pukyong National University, Busan 48547, Republic of Korea

Clean Technol., 2023, vol. 5, issue 4, 1-13

Abstract: Marine biomass has attracted attention as an environmentally sustainable energy source that can replace petroleum-based resources. Alginates, the main natural polysaccharides extracted from seaweeds, are used in various fields, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and chemical raw materials. Because the versatile applications of alginates depend on their physicochemical properties, which are controlled by their molecular weights, proper alginate depolymerization should be established. Previous approaches have limitations such as long reaction times and environmental issues. In this study, we report eco-friendly alginate depolymerization using hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 )-induced oxidative decomposition and high-frequency ultrasonication. In oxidative decomposition, the depolymerization tendency depends on both the temperature and the use of iron oxide catalysts that can promote the Fenton reaction. Ultrasonication is effective in promoting selective depolymerization and ring-opening reactions. Oligo-alginates obtained through the precise molecular weight regulation of alginate offer potential applications in medical devices and platform chemicals.

Keywords: alginate; marine biomass; oxidative decomposition; ultrasonication; selective decomposition (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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