Algae-Based Paints: A Review of Literature on Pigments, Coatings, and Sustainable Applications

Abstract

The growing demand for eco-friendly materials in architecture, interior design, and product manufacturing has sparked interest in algae as a renewable source of pigments and functional additives for paints and coatings. Algae-based paints are gaining attention as sustainable alternatives to conventional synthetic paints due to their renewable sourcing, low environmental impact, and natural antimicrobial properties. This review synthesizes research on the use of algae-derived pigments and biomass in paints, examining their extraction ,methods, antimicrobial and antifouling efficacy, thermal stability, practical applications, formulation, performance, sustainability, and commercialization potential. Findings highlight algae’s versatility in providing natural hues, bioactive functionalities, and environmental benefits compared to synthetic alternatives. Limitations such as biodeterioration and pigment stability are also discussed. Adaptation of algae-based paints for interior and industrial uses shows considerable promise for eco-friendly coatings. However, challenges such as pigment stability, scalability, and cost competitiveness remain. The paper concludes with research gaps and future directions for the development of algae-based paints.

Introduction

The global paint and coatings industry, worth billions, serves diverse sectors such as architecture, automotive, textiles, and protective finishes. However, it relies heavily on petroleum-based binders, toxic pigments, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to air and water pollution, health issues, and environmental harm. To address these challenges, researchers are turning toward natural, bio-based alternatives, with algae emerging as a highly promising source.

Microalgae and cyanobacteria produce eco-friendly pigments like chlorophylls (green), carotenoids (yellow-orange), and phycobiliproteins (blue) that are biodegradable, non-toxic, and vibrant. Beyond color, algae-derived materials exhibit antimicrobial, antioxidant, and UV-resistant properties, making them suitable for “functional paints” that improve indoor air quality and protect surfaces. Algae cultivation is sustainable—it uses little land, recycles wastewater, and captures CO?, aligning with green chemistry and circular economy principles.

Research from 2018–2025 shows successful integration of algal pigments into both water- and oil-based paints, improving color richness, adhesion, and bioactivity. Algal polysaccharides can also serve as binders and thickeners, enhancing flexibility and barrier performance. Studies even explore “living paints” with immobilized algae that can filter pollutants or generate oxygen.

Despite these advances, key challenges remain:

• Pigment instability (sensitivity to light, heat, and pH)

• High production costs and scalability limits

• Lack of standardization in pigment yield

• Lower color fastness than synthetic dyes

• Regulatory and safety concerns regarding certain algal species

Experimental results show that algae-based coatings with higher pigment concentrations provide better color intensity, microbial resistance, and thermal stability, outperforming some commercial paints.

Looking ahead, progress in algae cultivation, pigment encapsulation, and biopolymer integration will enhance durability and consistency. Niche markets—such as eco-friendly interiors, marine coatings, and biomedical surfaces—are expected to drive early adoption, positioning algae-based paints as a viable path toward sustainable innovation in the coatings industry.

Conclusion

Algae-based paints represent a frontier in sustainable materials research, offering eco-friendly pigments and multifunctional additives that can transform the coatings industry. Literature reviewed here demonstrates algae’s potential to provide a wide color palette, impart antimicrobial and UV-protective properties, and support circular economy goals through renewable cultivation and biodegradability. However, the field remains at a pre-commercial stage, constrained by challenges in pigment stability, economic competitiveness, and standardization. Research must focus on stabilization strategies such as encapsulation, hybrid formulations that combine algae with other bio-based or synthetic materials, and scaling up cultivation methods to reduce costs. Furthermore, interdisciplinary collaborations between biotechnologists, chemists, and design professionals will be essential to translate laboratory research into market-ready products.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Leenu Malviya, Sucheta Nigam. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.