From Terrestrial Plants to Marine Macroalgae: A Comprehensive Review of Cell Wall Component-Properties, Extraction, Modification, and Application of Algal Cellulose

Biomass cellulose is traditionally derived from terrestrial lignocellulose, but marine macroalgae are also valuable and indispensable sources of cellulose. Herein, a comprehensive comparison of algal cellulose and terrestrial plant cellulose, the properties of cellulose derived from different macroalgae, and the extraction and application of algal cellulose were discussed. This review innovatively overviews cell-wall composition, growth, and cellulose properties of terrestrial plant and macroalgae, and found that algal cellulose has superior properties such as high crystallinity and excellent water resistance. Furthermore, cellulose derived from four major macroalgae (green algae, red algae, brown algae and algal waste) were systematically summarized. The extraction of cellulose from macroalgae is milder than that from terrestrial biomass because macroalgae contain almost no lignin. Additionally, food packaging and biomedicine offer greater application value compared to monosaccharides and chemicals, and functional materials. Finally, this paper addresses degradation challenges and perspectives toward high quality production and potential applications of algal cellulose.