Recent Advances in Marine Algae Polysaccharides: Isolation, Structure, and Activities

Area of Science:

• Marine Biology
• Biochemistry
• Food Science

Background:

• Marine algae are recognized as rich sources of nutrients, particularly polysaccharides.
• Marine algae polysaccharides (MAPs) are gaining attention for their diverse health benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review extraction, purification, and chemico-physical properties of MAPs.
• To discuss the biological activities and structure-function relationships of MAPs.
• To highlight areas for future research in MAPs for functional food and pharmaceutical applications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of extraction and purification techniques for MAPs.
• Analysis of reported chemico-physical properties of MAPs.
• Compilation and discussion of documented biological activities of MAPs.

Main Results:

• MAPs exhibit various biological activities, including immunomodulatory, antitumor, antiviral, antioxidant, and hypolipidemic effects.
• The biological activities of MAPs are linked to their monosaccharide composition, molecular weights, linkage types, and chain conformation.
• Current extraction and purification methods require further development for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• MAPs possess significant potential for functional food and pharmaceutical applications.
• Further investigation into high-efficiency, low-cost extraction methods is needed.
• Detailed studies on quality control, structure-function relationships, and activation mechanisms are essential for MAPs' utilization.