Potential of intensification techniques for the extraction and depolymerization of fucoidan

Fucoidans are sulfated polysaccharides from brown seaweeds with a variety of biological properties, which are dependent on both their composition and structure, and are determined by the extraction process. The molecular weight of fucoidan, associated with the biological activities and with its bioavailability, can be influenced by the extraction technologies and further depolymerization can be attained during a subsequent processing stage. The conventional technologies for extraction are surveyed and the potential of emerging techniques aiming at enhancing yields, selectivity and bioactivity is discussed.