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Recycling Sargassum spp. Biomass for Sustainable Biocontrol in Agriculture: A Circular Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Mislén Gómez-Matos

    (Center for Natural Product Studies (CEPN), Faculty of Chemistry, University of Havana, Zapata Street s/n Between G and Carlitos Aguirre, Vedado, Plaza de la Revolución, Havana 10400, Cuba)

  • Dariellys Martínez-Balmori

    (Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Havana, Zapata Street s/n Between G and Carlitos Aguirre, Vedado, Plaza de la Revolución, Havana 10400, Cuba)

  • Yamilet Coll-García

    (Center for Natural Product Studies (CEPN), Faculty of Chemistry, University of Havana, Zapata Street s/n Between G and Carlitos Aguirre, Vedado, Plaza de la Revolución, Havana 10400, Cuba)

  • Yamilé Baró-Robaina

    (Plant Health Research Institute (INISAV), 110 Street No. 514 Between 5th B and 5th F, Playa, Havana 11600, Cuba)

  • Yaneris Mirabal-Gallardo

    (Institute of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, 5 Poniente, 1670, Talca 3460000, Chile)

Abstract

The increasing frequency of Sargassum spp. blooms represents a global environmental challenge, impacting coastal ecosystems and requiring sustainable management strategies. This study evaluates the potential of Sargassum spp. extract as an encapsulating material for biological pest control, contributing to marine waste valorization. Pelagic Sargassum spp. collected from the Havana coast was processed to obtain an alginate-rich extract, which was used to encapsulate Beauveria bassiana conidia via ionic gelation. FTIR confirmed characteristic carboxylate absorption bands, indicating structural similarities with commercial alginate, while TGA demonstrated comparable thermal behavior. Beads exhibited consistent dimensions (0.5–3 mm) with irregular post-drying shapes. Encapsulation efficiency yielded a conidial concentration of 1.43 × 10 8 conidia per mL, ensuring retention within the matrix. Long-term viability was confirmed as conidia remained viable and able to grow after six months, potentially benefiting from extract-derived compounds. These findings highlight the potential of repurposing Sargassum spp. for sustainable agricultural applications, advancing environmentally friendly pest management while addressing the ecological burden of excessive Sargassum accumulation.

Suggested Citation

  • Mislén Gómez-Matos & Dariellys Martínez-Balmori & Yamilet Coll-García & Yamilé Baró-Robaina & Yaneris Mirabal-Gallardo, 2025. "Recycling Sargassum spp. Biomass for Sustainable Biocontrol in Agriculture: A Circular Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-14, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:13:p:6107-:d:1694132
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