Insights into the structure-bioactivity relationships of marine sulfated polysaccharides: A review

Marine sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) have been widely used as food stabilisers or gelling agents. Recently, accumulated evidence has been collected regarding their bioactivities, including anticoagulant, antiviral and immunoregulatory activities. This review compares the structural characteristics of SPs from algae, marine animals and marine microorganisms. Their functional and biological activities and mechanisms involved are extensively summarized. The influences of the sulfate groups of SPs on their functional/bioactive properties are also highlighted. This overview aims to provide a deep understanding of marine SPs to facilitate their industrial applications in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical areas.