Bioactive polysaccharides from seaweeds: applications, mechanisms, and toxicological insights

Area of Science:

• Marine Biology
• Biochemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Seaweeds (marine macroalgae) are rich sources of polysaccharides and bioactive compounds.
• These natural polymers find extensive use in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review major polysaccharides from red, brown, and green seaweeds.
• To emphasize their structural characteristics, functional properties, and applications.
• To discuss safety, analytical techniques, and future challenges.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on seaweed polysaccharide research.
• Analysis of structural and functional properties.
• Discussion of advanced analytical techniques (FTIR, NMR, LC-MS).

Main Results:

• Detailed overview of key polysaccharides (agar, carrageenan, alginate, fucoidan, ulvan, etc.).
• Highlighted advances in characterization methods for complex biopolymers.
• Addressed safety concerns and toxicological aspects.

Conclusions:

• Seaweed polysaccharides are valuable, sustainable biomaterials.
• Standardized extraction and eco-friendly processing are crucial.
• Further research into molecular mechanisms will unlock new applications.