Cellulose from Cladophorales Green Algae: From Environmental Problem to High-Tech Composite Materials

This article represents the first attempt to summarize the knowledge about the structure and functional properties of green algae cellulose since 1885, when cellulose of algal origin was first described. Here, I systematically discuss the unique structural characteristics of Cladophora cellulose. This specific interest in Cladophora filamentous green algae is justified by unwanted global socio-environmental problems associated with seasonal blooms by these algae. Thus, the physicochemical properties and the use of this unique material are discussed in a broad context. Several high-tech applications wherein the use of Cladophora cellulose is highly beneficial are highlighted. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 119: 2449-2460, 2011