Prospects of brown seaweed polysaccharides (BSP) as prebiotics and potential immunomodulators

Abstract

Prebiotics enhance immune response through the modulation of intestinal microbial activities, production of short chain fatty acids (SCFA), direct interaction with toll-like receptors and mucin production. These non-digestible food components are known to be resistant to enzymatic hydrolysis by digestive enzymes and are utilized as carbon source for the growth of beneficial bacteria population through the process of fermentation. Brown seaweed polysaccharides (BSP) have been described as emerging prebiotics due to their potential to stimulate gut microbiota activities at in vitro and in vivo stages. This review therefore examines evidence of the relationship between the prebiotic capacity of BSP, their structure, extraction, and possible mechanisms of immunomodulation. Practical applications Bio-functional ingredients have been widely explored for numerous health benefits. Of interest to this review are polysaccharides of brown seaweed which have great prebiotic prospects. Prebiotics are important bio-functional ingredients having the potential to improve immune health. An understanding of the prebiotic and immunomodulatory potential of BSP provides the food industry a novel alternative source of prebiotics. Excerpts from this review will provide background knowledge and advance scientific research into prospects of BSP as prebiotics and a possible commercialization of BSP products.