Extraction and purification of monosaccharides from marine seaweeds

Abstract

Seaweeds are abundant in bioactive compounds, and their unique polysaccharide content, which includes rare sugars with potential industrial applications, has garnered significant attention in recent years. This review aims to illuminate the structural diversity and biotechnological significance of rare sugars by exploring their occurrence and biosynthesis in seaweeds. Understanding the presence of rare sugars in these marine organisms requires a detailed analysis of the biosynthetic pathways involved in their formation. The study emphasizes the importance of precise structural characterization for the identification and quantification of rare sugars, detailing advanced analytical techniques employed in this process. It also addresses challenges in extraction and purification, underscoring the need for scalable and cost-effective methods for industrial production. The potential applications of rare sugars span the food, pharmaceutical, and other industries, highlighting their growing significance in health-related applications and their biological and medicinal properties. Additionally, the review discusses issues such as low yields, storage stability, and regulatory concerns, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of rare sugars research and application.