Potential of Seaweeds as a Source of Chemicals and Other Useful Products

Seaweeds, often termed the “Blue Gold” of the oceans, represent a largely untapped reservoir of high-value phytochemicals and sustainable industrial feedstocks. The article explores the transition of seaweeds from traditional sources of phycocolloids (agar, alginate, carrageenan) to next-generation bio-resources for the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and chemical industries. We examine the potential of Indian seaweed species in yielding novel bioactive compounds such as sulphated polysaccharides, polyphenols and pigments which have demonstrated efficacy in managing lifestyle diseases. Furthermore, the article delves into the concept of the “Seaweed Biorefinery,” a cascading processing model that integrates the extraction of high-value specialty chemicals with the production of biofuels and agricultural biostimulants. By aligning advanced chemical processing with sustainable mariculture practices like Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA), the Indian chemical industry stands at the precipice of a Blue Economy revolution that promises both economic resilience and environmental sustainability