Alginates from Brown Seaweeds as a Promising Natural Source: A Review of Its Properties and Health Benefits

Alginates, hydrophilic anionic polysaccharides with notable bioactivity and biocompatibility, have drawn significant attention, particularly due to their extensive use in the pharmaceutical industry and associated health benefits. Brown seaweeds serve as the primary source of alginates. However, extraction methods, especially traditional ones, face efficiency challenges, impacting the yield. Green extraction methods promise an eco-friendly alternative, but their industrial-scale implementation is still unproven. Importantly, these extraction methods could yield alginates of different molecular weights and consequent varied biological effects. Alginates possess antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and immunomodulatory properties, forming the cornerstone of their health benefits and pharmaceutical applications. The hydrogel formation characteristic of alginates is crucial for pharmaceutical applications, including drug delivery, wound dressing, and tissue regeneration. Despite the existence of numerous articles exploring the extraction methods, properties, and applications of alginates, a gap exists in the literature that connects these aspects with health benefits. This review aims to bridge this gap by providing a comprehensive discussion of the extraction methods, properties, health benefits, and pharmaceutical applications of alginates.

Automated summary

Alginates, hydrophilic anionic polysaccharides, have notable bioactivity and biocompatibility, making them widely used in pharmaceutical industry and associated health benefits. The primary source of alginates is brown seaweeds. However, traditional extraction methods face efficiency challenges, while green extraction methods are still unproven on an industrial scale. Alginates possess antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and immunomodulatory properties, and their hydrogel formation characteristic is crucial in pharmaceutical applications. Despite existing literature on extraction methods, properties, and applications of alginates, there is a gap connecting these aspects with health benefits.