Abstract
Alginate is a natural polysaccharide present in various marine brown seaweeds. Alginate oligosaccharide (AOS) is a degradation product of alginate, which has received increasing attention due to its low molecular weight and promising biological activity. The wide-ranging biological activity of AOS is closely related to the diversity of their structures. AOS with a specific structure and distinct applications can be obtained by different methods of alginate degradation. This review focuses on recent advances in the biological activity of alginate and its derivatives, including their anti-tumor, anti-oxidative, immunoregulatory, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antibacterial, hypolipidemic, antihypertensive, and hypoglycemic properties, as well as the ability to suppress obesity and promote cell proliferation and regulate plant growth. We hope that this review will provide theoretical basis and inspiration for the high-value research developments and utilization of AOS-related products.
Highlights
Alginate is a naturally occurring anionic polymer, most often isolated from the brown seaweed.It is an acidic polysaccharide belonging to the family of linear, non-repeating copolymers.Alginate has been extensively investigated and used in many biomedical applications due to its biocompatibility, low toxicity, relatively low cost, and the ability to form a gel under mild conditions in the presence of divalent cations such as Ca 2+ [1].Alginate consists of a variable amount of β-D-mannuronic acid and its C5-epimer, α-L-guluronic acid, linked by β-1,4-glycosidic bonds [2]
Marine-derived alginate and its oligosaccharides exhibit an extraordinary variety of biological activities, providing new avenues for the treatment of human diseases
It should be noted that the diversity of the biological properties of alginate and its degradation products are closely related to their structural diversity
Summary
Alginate is a naturally occurring anionic polymer, most often isolated from the brown seaweed. Due to differences in degradation patterns, G content (G/M ratio), molecular weight, and spatial conformation of degradation products, AOS possess a variety of biological activities They have anti-tumor properties [17], counteract oxidation [8], regulate immune responses [18], reduce inflammation [19], are neuroprotective [20], provide antibacterial activity [21], lower lipid levels [22], reduce hypertension [23], suppress obesity [24], decrease blood sugar levels [25], promote cellular proliferation and regulate plant growth [26]. The objective is to provide a theoretical basis for further development and utilization of alginate
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