Polysaccharides derived from seaweeds, such as agar, alginate, carrageenan, and fucoidan, exhibit diverse physiological activities and have found extensive utilization in the food, agricultural, and medical sectors. Nonetheless, their practical application has been constrained by their inadequate solubility and limited bioavailability. As a result, marine oligosaccharides, being the breakdown products of these polysaccharides, have garnered escalating interest due to their evident biological activities, favorable solubility, and exceptional bioavailability.
Fig 1. The structural characteristics of polysaccharides from different seaweeds. [1]
Understanding the diversity of marine oligosaccharides
The seaweed-derived marine oligosaccharides can be classified based on the types of raw materials they are extracted from, including red algae, brown algae, and green algae.
- Red algae-derived marine oligosaccharides
Red algae contribute to the extraction of various marine oligosaccharides, including agar oligosaccharides (AGOS), neoagarooligosaccharides (NAOS), and carrageenan oligosaccharides (CGO). AGOS are characterized by a non-reducing end composed of D-galactose, while NAOS feature a non-reducing end composed of 3,6-anhydro-L-galactose. Carrageenan oligosaccharides are sulfated galactan oligosaccharides with a backbone structure consisting of alternating 1,3-β-D-galactose and 1,4-α-D-galactose linkages.
- Brown algae-derived marine oligosaccharides
Alginate oligosaccharides (AOS) and fucoidan oligosaccharides are examples of marine oligosaccharides extracted from brown algae. AOS exhibit complex structures composed of varying proportions of α-L-guluronate (G) and β-D-mannuronate (M), impacting their biological functions. Fucoidan oligosaccharides, another type of brown algae-derived oligosaccharides, have gained attention for their potential health benefits, including anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Green algae-derived marine oligosaccharides
Among green algae-derived marine oligosaccharides, ulvan oligosaccharides stand out. Research on these oligosaccharides is comparatively limited, but they are recognized for their potential bioactivities and applications. Further exploration of ulvan oligosaccharides could unveil new therapeutic and industrial opportunities.
Seaweed-derived marine oligosaccharides from Alfa Chemistry
Alginate oligosaccharide series
Agaro-oligosaccharide Series
Carrageenan oligosaccharide series
Diverse applications of marine oligosaccharides
The rich biodiversity of marine algae serves as a valuable source of oligosaccharides, encompassing fructo-, galacto-, xylo-, mannano-, glyco-, and isomalto-oligosaccharides with essential prebiotic properties applicable in human and animal nutrition. Derived from seaweed, these compounds carry potential as functional ingredients in a variety of foods, offering inherent prebiotic and nutritional value.
Marine oligosaccharides, such as chitosan, chitosan oligosaccharides, β-carotene, astaxanthin, fucoidans, and phlorotanins, have emerged as valuable resources with diverse biological activities. Studies underscore their potential as anticancer agents with varying mechanisms of action against cancer inhibitory pathways. Notably, alginate oligosaccharides exhibit potent antioxidant properties and demonstrate inhibitory effects on neuro-inflammation, positioning them as promising nutraceutical agents for conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
The incorporation of marine-based extracts in natural cosmetics is gaining momentum, driven by the demand for products of natural origin. Marine-derived chitooligosaccharides, flavonoids, polyphenols, and fatty acids exhibit inhibitory effects on matrix metalloproteinase enzymes, crucial in combating wrinkle formation and preserving skin health. Additionally, brown algae-derived active oligosaccharides serve as effective hydrocolloids for emulsion thickening and stabilization in cosmetic formulations.
Chitooligosaccharides and chitosan oligosaccharides have emerged as significant players in pharmaceutical and medicinal applications, offering a spectrum of physiological effects such as antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. The medicinal potential of ulvan-derived oligosaccharides in lowering cholesterol levels and enhancing immune responses further underscores the diverse therapeutic applications of marine oligosaccharides.
References
- Zhu B, et al. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 2021, 61(1), 60-74.
- Jutur P P, et al. Frontiers in Marine Science, 2016, 3, 83.
- Luan T, et al. Journal of Functional Foods, 2023, 108, 105754.
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
