Advances in cyanobacterial polysaccharides' extraction technologies, process optimization, and future perspectives: A review

Cyanobacterial polysaccharides are promising biopolymers due to their structural diversity, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and various biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. Their applications cover a range of pharmaceuticals, biomedicine, food technology, cosmetics, and environmental biotechnology, leading to increased interest in sustainable extraction strategies. However, the complex characteristics of these polysaccharides and their extracellular matrices pose challenges for efficient recovery while maintaining structural integrity and functionality. This review inspected current extraction technologies, including traditional physical and chemical methods, enzyme-assisted techniques, and emerging hybrid and green extraction approaches. It discussed how cultivation conditions, biomass pretreatment, extraction parameters, and downstream purification affect extraction efficiency, yield, and polysaccharide quality. The study also explored the relationship between extraction methods, structural characteristics, and functional performance, alongside the technical and economic barriers to industrial-scale production. Recent advancements in sustainable extraction technologies, process optimization, and AI-assisted controls were highlighted as potential solutions for improving scalability. In conclusion, the review identified knowledge gaps and future research priorities necessary for developing standardized, environmentally friendly, and economically viable extraction processes for cyanobacterial polysaccharides, promoting their use in high-value industrial and biomedical applications.