Polysaccharides from the Sargassum and Brown Algae Genus: Extraction, Purification, and Their Potential Therapeutic Applications

Abstract

Brown macroalgae represent one of the most proliferative groups of living organisms in aquatic environments. Due to their abundance, they often cause problems in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, resulting in health problems in humans and the death of various aquatic species. To resolve this, the application of Sargassum has been sought in different research areas, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, since Sargassum is an easy target for study and simple to obtain. In addition, its high content of biocompounds, such as polysaccharides, phenols, and amino acids, among others, has attracted attention. One of the valuable components of brown macroalgae is their polysaccharides, which present interesting bioactivities, such as antiviral, antimicrobial, and antitumoral, among others. There is a wide variety of methods of extraction currently used to obtain these polysaccharides, such as supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), subcritical water extraction (SCWE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE), and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). Therefore, this work covers the most current information on the methods of extraction, as well as the purification used to obtain a polysaccharide from Sargassum that is able to be utilized as alginates, fucoidans, and laminarins. In addition, a compilation of bioactivities involving brown algae polysaccharides in in vivo and in vitro studies is also presented, along with challenges in the research and marketing of Sargassum-based products that are commercially available.

Extraction, Characterisation and Evaluation of Antioxidant and Probiotic Growth Potential of Water-Soluble Polysaccharides from Ulva rigida Macroalgae

“…Among multiple species and extraction methods, our results showed a polysaccharide yield of 18.9% as the optimum result. Extraction methods affect algal yield which also depends on algal species, cultivation methods, season and environmental conditions [ 7 , 37 ]. The data obtained indicate that higher extraction temperatures lead to a significant increase in polysaccharide yields, as a result of enhanced dissolution [ 10 ].…”

Extraction of bioactive compounds from beach-cast brown algae: a review on accelerated solvent extraction and subcritical water extraction

“…Beach-cast brown algae bioactive polysaccharides (alginate, fucoidan, and laminarin) have been extracted by SLE, ASE, and SCWE methods and are potentially used in functional foods, cosmetics, and medical industries. 21,37 The chemical structures of these polysaccharides are depicted in Fig. 2.…”

“…Extraction methods, sulfate content, structures, and MW (ranging from 21–1600 kDa) can affect biological activities and potential applications. 21,42 Reported biological activities include antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and anticoagulant abilities. 39,43,44…”

“…Although extensive works have reviewed advanced PLE technologies, including ASE and SCWE of bioactive compounds from marine macroalgae, 8,11,13,18–21 there is little study focused on beach-cast brown algae and ASE and SCWE processes at both small and large scales. Beach-cast algae will be weathered relative to the fresh counterpart, and therefore, process conditions using fresh algae may not be a good match for beach-cast.…”

New Perspective for Macroalgae-Based Animal Feeding in the Context of Challenging Sustainable Food Production

“…Furthermore, macroalgae are rich in bioactive compounds such as omega-3 fatty acids, carotenoids, phycocyanin, and polysaccharides. These compounds possess antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, prebiotic, and even anticancer properties, making them crucial for various physiological functions in animals [6][7][8]. Macroalgae contain unique carbohydrates, such as laminarin and fucoidan, which can function as prebiotics, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and enhancing nutrient digestion and absorption in mammals [9,10].…”