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Diatom-Derived Biochemicals: An In-Depth Analysis of Polysaccharides, Extraction Methodologies, and Diverse
Archana Tiwari1, Gurvinder Kaur Saini2, Hirak Parikh3
1Diatom Research Laboratory, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. panarchana@gmail.com.
Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology
|November 3, 2025
Summary
Diatoms produce diverse bioactive polysaccharides crucial for ecosystems and biotechnology. This review explores their extraction, characterization, biosynthesis, and applications in medicine and environmental science.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Diatoms are unicellular algae with complex silica cell walls.
- They synthesize various bioactive polysaccharides (intracellular, extracellular, cell wall-associated).
- These polysaccharides are vital for ecological processes and hold commercial potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review diatom polysaccharide chemotypes, extraction methods, and structural characterization.
- To elaborate on biosynthesis pathways and the role of extracellular polymeric substances.
- To discuss applications and challenges in utilizing diatom polysaccharides.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of polysaccharide extraction, purification, and characterization techniques.
- Analysis of genomic and metabolic data related to polysaccharide biosynthesis.
- Evaluation of current and potential applications of diatom polysaccharides.
Main Results:
- Overview of storage β-glucans, uronic/sulfate-rich scaffolds, and exopolymers.
- Discussion of trade-offs in conventional versus emerging extraction methods.
- Elucidation of polysaccharide roles in ecology and potential in biomedicine and materials science.
Conclusions:
- Diatom polysaccharides offer diverse applications in carbon sequestration, biomedicine, materials science, and environmental remediation.
- Challenges include species variability, frustule disruption, and scalable processing.
- Genomics-guided optimization and sustainable bioprocesses are key for future development.
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