Seaweed Polysaccharides

Book excerpt: Seaweed Polysaccharides: Isolation, Biological, and Biomedical Applications examines the isolation and characterization of algal biopolymers, including a range of new biological and biomedical applications. In recent years, significant developments have been made in algae-based polymers (commonly called polysaccharides), and in biomedical applications such as drug delivery, wound dressings, and tissue engineering. Demand for algae-based polymers is increasing and represent a potential—very inexpensive—resource for these applications. The structure and chemical modification of algal polymers are covered, as well as the biological properties of these materials – including antithrombic, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and antiviral aspects. Toxicity of algal biopolymers is also covered. Finally, the book introduces and explains real world applications of algal-based biopolymers in biomedical applications, including tissue engineering, drug delivery, and biosensors. This is the first book to cover the extraction techniques, biomedical applications, and the economic perspective of seaweed polysaccharides. It is an essential text for researchers and industry professionals looking to work with this renewable resource. - Provides comprehensive coverage of the research currently taking place in biomedical applications of algae biopolymers - Includes practical guidance on the isolation, extraction, and characterization of polysaccharides from sustainable marine sources - Covers the extraction techniques, biomedical applications, and economic outlook of seaweed polysaccharides