Elaboration in type, primary structure, and bioactivity of polysaccharides derived from mollusks

Over the past decades, numerous Mollusca species have received more attention in development and utilization as valuable bio-resources. Many efforts have been focused on investigating mollusk polysaccharides because of their rich content, ease of extraction, diversified sorts, specific structure, various biofunctions and potent activities. To date, many mollusks, especially species of gastropods, bivalves, or cephalopods, have been reported containing polysaccharide compounds in tissues with abundant amount, and most of polysaccharides are obtainable through combining techniques of extraction, separation and purification. The polysaccharides isolated from mollusks appeared with various structural and physicochemical characteristics, ranged from neutral polysaccharides and sulfated polysaccharides, to GAGs series (including Hep/HS, CS/DS, HA and similarities), even to heterogeneous glycan with high molecular weight. This review article provides comprehensive knowledge of recent researches on type classification, tissue origins and possible biofunctions of various polysaccharides from mollusks. The highlights were placed in structure variation including molecular weight, sulfation pattern, linkages and monomer compositions for repeating unit, and primary molecular construction of the mollusks polysaccharides. In addition, this article covers general information on exhibition of mollusks polysaccharide extracts or preparations in the various bioactivities, such as anticoagulant, antiatherogenic, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antivirus and antitumor activities, which would reveal their possible potentials in medical application. Furthermore, the article presents a brief overview on several challenges and future scope in this field.