Bioprespecting Algal Biomolecules: Extraction of Polypeptides and Polysaccharides for Cosmeceutical and Therapeutic Applications
Main Article Content
Abstract
The present work reports the extraction of protein-polysaccharide extracts from brown algae (A.nodosum and S.latissima) for potential food industry applications. A sequential extraction method was employed to maximize yields by incorporating ultra sound, pH adjustment, and enzymatic treatment. It is fundamentally about sidestepping the feeling of starting. Traditional extraction techniques have been replaced more often than not by sustainable techniques such as enzyme-based extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction, all of which ensure efficient extraction, maintain bioactivity, and minimize the environmental burden. This literature review presents the bio prospecting prospects of algal bio molecules, classification of algae and their bioactive compounds, sources and structural features of algal polypeptides and polysaccharides, biomass pre-treatment, and new extraction techniques. In addition, the increasing use of algal bio molecules in cosmetics and drugs is also considered in this review in the light of the challenges being faced due to large-scale production and commercialization of algal molecules.
Article Details
Section
How to Cite
References
1. Ahmed, M., Kumar, S., Gupta, R., & Singh, P. (2025). Algal proteins and bioactive peptides: Sustainable nutrition for human health. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 287, 140760.
2. Al-Atbee, R. S., Al-Bidhani, M. F., and Al-Mousawi, N. J. 2025. Role of green macro-alga Enteromorpha intestinalis in its free and immobilized state to remove copper ions from aqueous medium. Mesopotamian Journal of Marine Sciences, 40(1):107–118
3. Amaro-Ortiz, A., Yan, B., and D’Orazio, J. A. 2014. Ultraviolet radiation, aging and the skin:
4. Prevention of damage by topical cAMP manipulation. Molecules, 19(5):6202–6219
5. Anastyuk, S., Shervchenko, N., Ermakova, S., Vishchuk, O., Nazarenko, E.,
6. Dmitrenok, P., and Zvyagintseva, T. 2012. Anticancer activity in vitro of a fucoidan from the brown algae Fucus evanescens and its low-molecular fragments, structurally characterized by tandem mass-spectrometry.
7. Apone, F., Barbulova, A., & Colucci, M. G. (2019). Plant and microalgae derived peptides are advantageously employed as bioactive compounds in cosmetics. Frontiers in Plant Science, 10, 756.
8. Ariede, M. B., Candido, T. M., Jacome, A. L. M., Velasco, M. V. R., de Carvalho, J. C. M.,
9. & Baby, A. R. (2017). Cosmetic attributes of algae—A review. Algal Research, 25, 483– 487.
10. Barros, A. I., Gonçalves, A. L., Simões, M., & Pires, J. C. M. (2015). Harvesting techniques applied to microalgae: A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 41, 1489–
a. 1500. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2014.09.037
11. Becker, E. W. (2013). Microalgae for human and animal nutrition. In A. Richmond & Q. Hu (Eds.), Handbook of microalgal culture: Applied phycology and biotechnology (2nd ed., pp. 461–503). Wiley-Blackwell.
12. Bernaerts, T. M. M., Gheysen, L., Kyomugasho, C., Kermani, Z. J., Vandionant, S., Foubert, I., Hendrickx, M. E., & Van Loey, A. M. (2019). The potential of microalgae and their biopolymers as structuring ingredients in food: A review. Biotechnology Advances,
a. 37(8), 107419. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biotechadv.2019.107419
13. Borowitzka, M. A. 2013. High-value products from microalgae—their development and commercialisation. Journal of Applied Phycology, 25:743–756.
14. Campo, V. L., Kawano, D. F., da Silva, D. B., & Carvalho, I. (2009). Carrageenans:
15. Biological properties, chemical modifications and structural analysis—A review.
16. Carbohydrate Polymers, 77(2), 167–180. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2009.01.020
17. Chauhan, A. G., Prajapati, N. D., Joshi, V., Oza, K. P., 2022. Role of algae in skin benefits:
18. An alternative to chemical cosmetics. Acta Scientific Microbiology, 5(4):26–29.
19. Chia,S.R.,Ong,H.C.,Chew,K.W.,Show,P.L.,Phang,S.M.,Ling,T.C.,Nagarajan,D.,Lee,
20. Choi, J.;Ha,Y.;Joo,C.;Cho,K.K.;Kim,S.;Choi,I.S.Inhibition of oral pathogens and collagens activity by seaweed extracts.
21. Costa,A.M.S.;Rodrigues,J.M.M.;PérezMadrigal,M.M.;Dove,A.P.;Mano,J.F.Modular Functionalization of Laminarin to Create Value Added Naturally Derived Macromolecules.
22. J.Am. Chem. Soc. 2020,142,19689–19697
23. Cotas, J., Pacheco, D., Gonçalves, A. M. M., Silva, P., Carvalho, L. G., Pereira, L., & Marques, J. C. (2021). Applying seaweed compounds in cosmetics, cosmeceuticals and nutricosmetics. Marine Drugs, 19(10), 552. Cotas, J., Pacheco, D., Gonçalves, A. M. M., Silva, P., Carvalho, L. G., Pereira, L., & Marques, J. C. (2021). Applying seaweed compounds in cosmetics, cosmeceuticals and nutricosmetics. Marine Drugs, 19(10), 552.
24. D.J. and Chang, J.S. 2018. Sustainable approaches for algae utilisation in bioenergy production. Renewable Energy,129(PB):838–852
25. Deniaud-Bouët, E., Kervarec, N., Michel, G., Tonon, T., Kloareg, B., & Hervé, C. (2017).
26. Chemical and enzymatic fractionation of cell walls from brown algae. Frontiers in Plant
27. Science, 8, 1359. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2017.01359
28. Deniaud-Bouët, E., Kervarec, N., Michel, G., Tonon, T., Kloareg, B., & Hervé, C. (2017). Chemical and enzymatic fractionation of cell walls from brown algae. Frontiers in Plant
29. Science, 8, 1359. Deniaud-Bouët, E., Kervarec, N., Michel, G., Tonon, T., Kloareg, B., & Hervé, C. (2017). Chemical and enzymatic fractionation of cell walls from brown algae:
30. Insights into the structure of the extracellular matrix. Scientific Reports, 7, 46564.
31. Deville,C.;Gharbi,M.;Dandrifosse,G.;Peulen,O.Studyontheeffectsoflaminarin,apolysa ccharidefromseaweed,ongut characteristics.J.Sci.FoodAgric.2007,87,1717–1725
32. Diaconu, M. 2020. Microalgae with potential in air treatment. From Biofiltration to Promising Options in Gaseous Fluxes Biotreatment. Recent Developments, New Trends, Advances, and Opportunities, 15. Elsevier, pp. 303–326.
33. Ding, J., Wu, B. and Chen, L. 2022. Application of marine microbial natural products in cosmetics. Frontiers in Microbiology, 13:892505.
34. Draget, K. I., Skjåk-Bræk, G., & Smidsrød, O. (2005). Alginates from algae. In A. M. Stephen, G. O. Phillips, & P. A. Williams (Eds.), Food Polysaccharides and Their Applications (2nd ed., pp. 289–334). CRC Press.
35. Fernando, I. P. S., Kim, M., Son, K. T., Jeong, Y., & Jeon, Y. J. (2019). Algal polysaccharides: Potential bioactive substances for cosmeceutical applications. Critical Reviews in Biotechnology, 39(1), 99–113.
36. Fitton, J. H., Stringer, D. N., & Karpiniec, S. S. (2019). Therapies from fucoidan: An update. Marine Drugs, 17(10), 571. https://doi.org/10.3390/md17100571
37. Fitton, J. H., Stringer, D. N., & Karpiniec, S. S. (2019). Therapies from fucoidan: An update. Marine Drugs, 17(10), 571. Hakim, M. M., & Patel, I. C. (2020). A review on
38. phytoconstituents of marine brown algae. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 6(1), 129.
39. Fleurence, J. (1999). Seaweed proteins: Biochemical, nutritional aspects and potential uses.
40. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 10(1), 25–28.
41. https://doi.org/10.1016/S09242244(99)00015-1
42. Gomez, L., Tiwari, B., and Garcia-Vaquero, M. 2020. Emerging extraction techniques:
43. microwave-assisted extraction. In Sustainable Seaweed Technologies.
44. Elsevier, pp. 207–224.
45. Gómez-Mascaraque,L.G.;Martínez-Sanz, M.;Martínez-López,R.;Martínez-
46. Abad, A.;Panikuttira, B.; López-Rubio, A.;Tuohy,M.G.; Hogan, S.A.; Brodkorb, A. Characterization and gelling properties of a bioactive extract from Ascophyllum nodosum obtainedusing a chemical-free approach.Curr. Res. Food Sci. 2021, 4, 354–364.
47. Gupta, S., & Abu-Ghannam, N. (2011). Bioactive potential and possible health effects of edible brown seaweeds. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 22(6), 315–326.
48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2011.03.011
49. Hakim, M. M., & Patel, I. C. (2020). A review on phytoconstituents of marine brown algae.
50. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 6(1), 129. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-020-
51. 00147-6
52. Holdt, S. L., & Kraan, S. (2011). Bioactive compounds in seaweed: Functional food applications and legislation. Journal of Applied Phycology, 23(3), 543–597.
53. Holdt, S.L.; Kraan,S.Bioactive compounds inseaweed: Functional food applications and legislation.J. Appl.Phycol.2011,23,
54. Huang, Y.; Jiang, H.; Mao, X.; Ci, F. Laminarin and Laminarin Oligosaccharides
55. Originating from Brown Algae: Preparation, BiologicalActivities, and Potential Applications. J.OceanUniv. China2021,20,641–653
56. Kadam, S.U.; Tiwari, B.K.; O’Donnell, C.P. Extraction, structure and biofunctional activities of laminarin from brown algae.Int. J. Food Sci. Technol. 2015, 50, 24–31.
57. Khalid, M., Rahman, S., Ahmed, T., & Ali, M. (2026). A comprehensive review on algal bioactive compounds with emphasis on allergenicity reduction, health benefits and applications in the food industry. Food Bioscience, 76, 108285. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fbio.2026.108285
58. Kidgell, J. T., Magnusson, M., de Nys, R., & Glasson, C. R. K. (2019). Ulvan: A systematic review of extraction, composition and function. Algal Research, 39, 101422.
a. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.algal.2019.101422
59. Kidgell, J. T., Magnusson, M., de Nys, R., & Glasson, C. R. K. (2019). Ulvan: A systematic review of extraction, composition and function. Algal Research, 39, 101422.
60. Lafarga, T., & Acién-Fernández, F. G. (2025). Comprehensive review of bioactive compounds from microalgae as promising sources for industrial applications. Algal
61. Research, 92, 104420. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.algal.2025.104420
62. Lafarga, T., Acién-Fernández, F. G., & Garcia-Vaquero, M. (2020). Bioactive peptides and carbohydrates from seaweed for food applications: Natural occurrence, isolation, purification, and identification. Algal Research, 48, 101909.
63. Lahaye, M., & Robic, A. (2007). Structure and functional properties of ulvan, a polysaccharide from green seaweeds. Biomacromolecules, 8(6), 1765–1774. Lee, K. Y., & Mooney, D. J. (2012). Alginate: Properties and biomedical applications. Progress in Polymer Science, 37(1), 106–126.
64. Lee, A. K., Lewis, D. M., & Ashman, P. J. (2017). Microalgal cell disruption for the extraction
65. of valuable compounds. Biotechnology Advances, 35(2), 154–167.
66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biotechadv.2017.01.001
67. Lee, K. Y., & Mooney, D. J. (2012). Alginate: Properties and biomedical applications.
68. Progress in Polymer Science, 37(1), 106–126.
69. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2011.06.003
70. Leong, H. Y., & Chang, J. S. (2024). Recent biotechnological applications of value-added bioactive compounds from microalgae and seaweeds. Botanical Studies, 65(1), 17.
71. Li, J.; Cai, C.; Yang, C.; Li, J.; Sun, T.; Yu, G. Recent advances in pharmaceutical potential of brown algal polysaccharides and theirderivatives.Curr. Pharm. Des. 2019
72. Lopes, G., Pinto, E., & Andrade, P. B. (2024). Marine macroalgae in topical formulations:
73. Bioactive compounds, variability, analytical challenges and skin benefits. Marine Drugs,
74. 22(9), 420. https://doi.org/10.3390/md22090420
75. Mayer, C., Morançais, M., & Fleurence, J. (2022). Paramylon and other bioactive molecules in micro- and macroalgae. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(15),
76. 8301. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23158301
77. Muhamad, I. I., Zulkifli, N., Selvakumaran, S., & Lazim, N. A. M. (2019). Bioactive algalderived polysaccharides: Multifunctionalization, therapeutic potential and biomedical applications. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 25(11), 1147–1162.
78. Necas, J., & Bartosikova, L. (2013). Carrageenan: A review. Veterinarni Medicina, 58(4),
79. 187–205. https://doi.org/10.17221/6758-VETMED
80. O'Connor, J., Garcia-Vaquero, M., Meaney, S., & Tiwari, B. K. (2022). Bioactive peptides from algae: Traditional and novel generation strategies, structure-function relationships, and bioinformatics as predictive tools for bioactivity. Marine Drugs, 20(5), 317.
81. Otero, P., Prieto, M. A., & Simal-Gandara, J. (2026). Bioactive metabolites from algae: Occurrence, extraction techniques, functional properties, food applications and therapeutic prospects. Future Foods, 13, 100866. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fufo.2025
82. Ozanne,H.;Toumi,H.;Roubinet,B.;Landemarre,L.;Lespessailles,E.;Daniellou,R.;Cesar o,A.LaminarinEffects,aβ-(1,3)-Glucan, on Skin Cell Inflammation and Oxidation.
83. Cosmetics 2020, 7, 66.
84. Pangestuti, R., & Kim, S. K. (2011). Biological activities and health benefits of fucoidan from marine brown algae. Marine Drugs, 9(4), 615–629. https://doi.org/10.3390/md9040615
85. Pereira, L. (2018). Seaweeds as source of bioactive substances and skin care therapy— Cosmeceuticals, algotherapy, and thalassotherapy. Marine Drugs, 16(2), 68.
86. https://doi.org/10.3390/md16020068
87. Pinto, D., Melo, T., & Alves, E. (2022). Microalgae bioactive compounds for topical application products—A review. Marine Drugs, 20(6), 379. Pinto, D., Melo, T., & Alves, E.
88. (2022). Microalgae bioactive compounds for topical application products—A review.
89. Marine Drugs, 20(6), 379.
90. Rajauria, G., & Abu-Ghannam, N. (Eds.). (2020). Seaweed bioactive compounds: Recent advances for functional and therapeutic applications. Academic Press.
91. Raposo, M. F. J., de Morais, A. M. M. B., & de Morais, R. M. S. C. (2013). Bioactivity and applications of sulphated polysaccharides from marine microalgae. Marine Drugs, 11(1), 233–252. https://doi.org/10.3390/md11010233
92. Rioux, L. E., Turgeon, S. L., & Beaulieu, M. (2007). Structural characterization of laminaran and galactofucan extracted from the brown seaweed Saccharina longicruris.
93. Phytochemistry, 68(17–18), 2448–2458.
94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2007.05.019
95. Sathasivam, R., Radhakrishnan, R., Hashem, A., & Abd_Allah, E. F. (2024). Proteins and bioactive peptides from algae: Insights into antioxidant, anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic and anti-cancer activities. Trends in Food Sciece & Technology, 146, 104352.
96. Shannon, E., & Abu-Ghannam, N. (2019). Seaweeds as nutraceuticals for health and nutrition. Phycologia, 58(5), 563–577.
97. Shannon,E.;Conlon,M.;Hayes,M.Seaweed Components as Potential Modulators of the GutMicrobiota.Mar.Drugs2021,19,358.
98. TümenErden, S.;EkentokAtici,C.;Cömez,B.;Sezer,A.D. Preparation and invitro characterization of laminarin based hydrogels.J.Res.Pharm.2021, 25,164–172.
99. Usov, A. I. (2011). Polysaccharides of the red algae. Advances in Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biochemistry, 65, 115–217. Wijesekara, I., Pangestuti, R., & Kim, S. K. (2011). Biological activities and potential health benefits of sulfated polysaccharides derived from marine algae. Carbohydrate Polymers, 84(1), 14–21.
100. Vandamme, D., Foubert, I., & Muylaert, K. (2013). Flocculation as a low-cost method for harvesting microalgae for bulk biomass production. Trends in Biotechnology, 31(4), 233–
101. 239. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tibtech.2012.12.005
102. Wijesekara, I., Pangestuti, R., & Kim, S. K. (2011). Biological activities and potential health benefits of sulfated polysaccharides derived from marine algae. Carbohydrate Polymers, 84(1), 14–21.
103. Zerrifi, S. E. A., El Khalloufi, F., Oudra, B., & Vasconcelos, V. (2023). Microalgae and cyanobacteria as sources of bioactive compounds for cosmetic applications: A systematic review. Algal Research, 76, 103287.