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Updated: Jun 28, 2026
Generation of Alginate Microspheres for Biomedical Applications
Published on: August 12, 2012
Innovative Applications of Marine Macroalgae Polysaccharides in Tissue Engineering and Drug Delivery: A Review Study
Foroozan Jalalibidgoli1, Pardis Irankhahi2, Helia Hajihassani1
1Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology Shahid Beheshti University Tehran Iran.
Background And Aims:
Marine macroalgae are abundant sources of bioactive polysaccharides-including alginate, fucoidan, ulvan, carrageenan, and agarose-widely recognized for extensive biomedical applications. These polysaccharides exhibit remarkable biological properties, such as immunostimulatory, anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects, while maintaining low toxicity.
Methods:
A systematic literature review identified 281 studies examining sulfated polysaccharides derived from marine algae and their implementation in bioengineering fields, including tissue engineering and drug delivery applications.
Results:
Marine-derived polysaccharides exhibit biocompatibility, biodegradability, and multifunctionality, making them highly suitable for developing hydrogels, nanoparticles, microspheres, and other biomaterial platforms. Their inherent structural diversity supports targeted modification for enhanced mechanical stability, drug release kinetics, and cellular interactions.
Conclusion:
Polysaccharides extracted from marine macroalgae represent a versatile resource for developing biomaterials in tissue engineering and drug delivery. Their multifunctional properties and adaptability position them as key materials in advancing biomedical research and addressing complex healthcare needs.
