Polysaccharides from macroalgae: Recent advances, innovative technologies and challenges in extraction and...

Area of Science:

• Marine Biotechnology
• Biopolymer Science
• Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

• Macroalgae polysaccharides, particularly laminarin and fucoidan from brown algae, offer significant potential for marine bio-economy applications.
• Their industrial utility in functional foods and nutraceuticals stems from diverse biological activities linked to their chemical structure.
• Polysaccharide characteristics like molecular weight and composition are influenced by algal biology and extraction methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current extraction and purification methodologies for laminarin and fucoidan from macroalgae.
• To discuss the integration of advanced extraction and purification technologies in polysaccharide isolation.
• To address challenges related to structure-function correlations and macroalgal variability.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of extraction and purification techniques for macroalgal polysaccharides.
• Analysis of innovative methods including ultrasound-assisted, microwave-assisted, and enzyme-assisted extractions.
• Evaluation of purification techniques such as membrane separation.

Main Results:

• Identified various extraction and purification strategies for laminarin and fucoidan.
• Highlighted the role of novel technologies in enhancing polysaccharide yield and purity.
• Discussed the impact of extraction parameters on polysaccharide properties.

Conclusions:

• Optimized extraction and purification are crucial for harnessing the potential of macroalgal polysaccharides.
• Innovative techniques offer improved efficiency and product quality.
• Further research is needed to elucidate structure-function relationships and manage natural variability.