Innovative applications of sulfated polysaccharides from macroalgae in hydrogels and biomaterials production

Sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) produced by macroalgae, including fucoidan, carrageenan, and ulvan, are emerging as promising materials for biomedical and economic uses. Their distinct physicochemical characteristics make them very attractive. These natural compounds are not only biocompatible but also have incredible bioactivities, such as anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral effects. This versatility makes it feasible for use in tissue engineering, wound healing, and pharmaceutical delivery systems. In addition to their well-known anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties, in this review, we emphasized explicitly how the molecular structure and sulfation pattern of SPs control their crosslinking behavior and stimulus responsiveness. We incorporated new developments in 3D bioprinting, electrospinning, and ionic and thermal gelation, demonstrating how these manufacturing processes enable precise control over printability, mechanical properties, and drug release kinetics. The novelty of this work lies in presenting SPs not merely as passive matrices, but as active, tunable components that bridge marine polysaccharide chemistry with advanced biomaterial engineering. Overall, we present an innovative conceptual framework that describes macroalgal SPs as active, tunable, and sustainable components for cutting-edge biomedical technologies, linking materials engineering and marine biotechnology to influence drug delivery and regenerative medicine in the future.