Structure, biological activity, and enzymatic transformation of fucoidans from the brown seaweeds

Biotechnol J. 2008 Jul;3(7):904-15. doi: 10.1002/biot.200700054.

Abstract

Recent advances in the study of fucoidans, biologically active sulfated alpha-L-fucans of diverse structures and synthesized exclusively by marine organisms, are overviewed. Their structure, biological activity, the products of their enzymatic degradation and the different enzymes of degradation and modification are considered.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents / metabolism*
  • Anti-Infective Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / metabolism*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology
  • Anticoagulants / metabolism*
  • Anticoagulants / pharmacology
  • Biotransformation
  • Glycoside Hydrolases / metabolism
  • Phaeophyceae / chemistry*
  • Polysaccharides / metabolism*
  • Polysaccharides / pharmacology
  • Sulfatases / metabolism

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Anticoagulants
  • Polysaccharides
  • fucoidan
  • Sulfatases
  • Glycoside Hydrolases