Oligosaccharides Derived from Red Seaweed: Production, Properties, and Potential Health and Cosmetic Applications

Abstract

Because of their potential use as functional ingredients in human nutrition, oligosaccharides derived from natural sources are receiving paramount consideration. Red seaweed, a proven rich source of agar and carrageenan, is one of the most abundantly present sources of such oligosaccharides. Agaro-oligosaccharides (AOS) and carrageenan-oligosaccharides (COS) are produced from agar and carrageenan, respectively, through chemical and enzymatic hydrolyses. Enzymatic hydrolysis of agar and carrageenan into oligosaccharides is preferred in industrial production because of certain problems associated with chemical hydrolysis, including the release of high amounts of monosaccharides and undesirable toxic products, such as furfural. AOS and COS possess many biological activities, including prebiotic, immuno-modulatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-tumor activities. These activities are related to their chemical structure, molecular weight, degree of polymerization, and the flexibility of the glycosidic linkages. Therefore, the structure–function relationship and the mechanisms occurring during the specific biological applications of AOS and COS are discussed herein. Moreover, the chromatographic separation, purification, and characterization of AOS and COS are also part of this review. This piece of writing strives to create a new perspective on the potential applications of AOS and COS in the functional food and pharmaceutical industry.

Comparative Genomics and CAZyme Genome Repertoires of Marine Zobellia amurskyensis KMM 3526T and Zobellia laminariae KMM 3676T

“…Physical-chemical properties and biological activities of their derivatives are of great interest for study. Previous works showed they have the potential to be used as bioactive molecules and functional materials in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries [3][4][5]. Among seaweed polysaccharides, agar and carrageenan are valuable sources of various oligosaccharides with beneficial effects for human health, and these effects depend on the degree of depolymerization [6].…”

Molecular and Microbial Signatures Predictive of Prebiotic Action of Neoagarotetraose in a Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Murine Colitis Model

“…Moreover, as the most promising components of dietary fiber, polysaccharides and oligosaccharides derived from marine algae contain unique substitutions, such as sulfation or carboxylation [29], which may possess different activities for human health, unlike those commonly found in fruits and vegetables. As a result, an increasing number of novel marine-derived polysaccharides and oligosaccharides is being discovered and their potential health-promoting properties are being recognized [30][31][32]. NT, the predominant member of the neoagarooligosaccharides that can inhibit bacterial growth and stimulate macrophages [15], is known to possess properties to modulate intestinal microbiome [17].…”

Gamma‑irradiation degraded sulfated polysaccharide from a new red algal strain <em>Pyropia&nbsp;yezoensis</em> Sookwawon&nbsp;104 with <em>in&nbsp;vitro</em> antiproliferative activity

“…human health and may have a wide range of applications (9). In a review by Cheong et al (10), the notable biological activity of oligosaccharides from red seaweed was suggested to support their development for use in functional foods and the pharmaceutical industry. Therefore, polysaccharides, oligosaccharides and their derivates are of great interest to researchers.…”