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Recent advances in polysaccharide-dominated extracellular polymeric substances from microalgae: A review
Yulong He1, Liang Ji1, Yuchen Yuan1
1State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
|February 4, 2025
Summary
Microalgal extracellular polymeric substances (EPMS) offer sustainable food and pharmaceutical potential due to their diverse biological activities. Overcoming challenges in yield and processing can unlock widespread applications in food, cosmetics, and therapeutics.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Marine Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Microalgae represent a sustainable resource for food and pharmaceuticals.
- Microalgal extracellular polymeric substances (EPMS) are secreted polymers with diverse compositions.
- EPMS possess unique structural and biological properties, varying by species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review research progress on microalgal EPMS.
- To cover composition, structure, formation, biological activity, and applications.
- To identify challenges and future strategies for industrial application.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific publications on microalgal EPMS.
- Systematic summary of existing research findings.
- Analysis of biological activities and application potential.
Main Results:
- Microalgal EPMS exhibit species-specific structural diversity and biological activities.
- Polysaccharides show antioxidant, antiviral, and antitumor effects.
- Extracellular vesicles from EPMS are promising drug carriers.
Conclusions:
- Challenges include low yields, complex separation, and unclear mechanisms.
- Metabolic regulation, genetic modification, and advanced technologies can improve EPMS production and application.
- Microalgal EPMS have significant potential in food, cosmetics, and therapeutic industries.
