New Perspectives on Polysaccharides From Gracilaria and Gracilariopsis (Rhodophyta) and Their Potential Applications in Future Industries

Abstract

Gracilaria and Gracilariopsis are abundantly available red seaweeds that have been used in traditional medicine and food for years and are rich in nutritional value. Polysaccharides are the main bioactive compounds found in the cell walls of red seaweeds, including Gracilaria and Gracilariopsis. Notably, Gracilaria and Gracilariopsis polysaccharides are sulfated and have been reported to possess various beneficial biological activities (antioxidant, anti-urolithiatic, anti-inflammatory, α-glucosidase inhibitor, antiaging, wound healing, skin whitening, antibacterial, antiviral, antitumor, and antidiarrheal) and are widely used in food packaging, food formulation, cosmeceutical products, and drug development industries. Sulfated polysaccharides can be further purified from crude polysaccharide extracts of Gracilaria and Gracilariopsis. However, different species, extraction methods, and harvesting periods produce polysaccharides with varied quantities and qualitative characteristics. This review aims to provide comprehensive information by comparing reports of polysaccharides derived from 11 different species of Gracilaria and 2 species of Gracilariopsis to maximize their potential for future development and utilization in various industries.