| This thesis focused on developing a detailed protocol for producing seaweed-based pellets from Ulva spp. and Gracilaria spp., intending to advance sustainable packaging materials within the NOVAFOODIES project. Given the increasing global demand for eco-friendly and biodegradable alternatives to traditional plastic packaging, the research aimed to optimize critical production parameters, including moisture content and the use of water as a binder, to enhance the mechanical durability, microbial stability, and overall material retention of the pellets. Pellets were created using two different Ulva spp. namely U.Lacinulata and U.Compressa as well as blends of Ulva spp. with Gracilaria spp. in ratios of 70:30 and 80:20. The study evaluated these pellets across several key dimensions: weight loss during the pelletization process, durability under mechanical stress, microbial activity as measured by bacterial standard plate counts, and the protein and carbohydrate content of the final products. The findings highlighted that moisture content plays a pivotal role in determining the quality and viability of the seaweed-based pellets. Specifically, pure Ulva lacinulata at a moisture content of 30% emerged as the optimal formulation for large-scale production. This formulation demonstrated superior durability, with minimal weight loss and low microbial activity, making it particularly well-suited for industrial applications where material retention and stability are crucial. The incorporation of water as a binder proved effective in enhancing the cohesion and structural integrity of the pellets, ensuring that they maintained their shape and durability during processing and handling. However, the inclusion of Gracilaria spp. In the pellet mixtures introduced additional challenges. While Gracilaria spp. was initially considered for its potential to improve pellet cohesion due to its gelling properties, the study found that its incorporation often led to increased weight loss, compromised structural integrity, and higher microbial activity, especially at higher moisture levels. These effects may be attributed to the distinct nature of Gracilaria spp. compared to foliose Ulva species. These differences in structure, composition, and habitat likely contribute to their distinct behaviors when used in pellet formation. These results suggest that while Gracilaria spp. has potential benefits, it may also destabilize the pellet structure, making it less ideal for large-scale production without further optimization. Through a comprehensive analysis, the study provided crucial insights into the factors that influence the performance and stability of seaweed-based pellets. It underscored the importance of species composition, moisture content, and the balance between protein and carbohydrate levels in optimizing pellet production. The research demonstrated that Ulva lacinulata alone is highly effective in producing durable and stable pellets, while mixtures involving Gracilaria spp. require more careful consideration and adjustment to achieve comparable results. The implications of these findings are significant for the development of sustainable packaging materials. The successful production of seaweed-based pellets with optimal moisture content, high durability, and low microbial activity highlights the potential of seaweed as a viable alternative to conventional plastic packaging. This study’s protocol offers a solid foundation for future research aimed at refining and scaling up the production process, to reduce environmental impact and promote the adoption of eco-friendly materials in the packaging industry. In conclusion, this study advances the field of sustainable packaging by developing a robust protocol for producing seaweed-based pellets, particularly from Ulva lacinulata at 30% moisture content, which has been identified as a promising candidate for industrial-scale production. However, the variability observed in other species and mixtures indicates the need for ongoing research to fully harness the potential of seaweed-based packaging materials. Future studies should focus on optimizing species composition, moisture content, and processing conditions to further improve the durability, microbial stability, and overall quality of seaweed derived pellets for food packaging and other applications. |