Molecular structure analysis of water-soluble polysaccharides from Nannochloropsis oculata

Nannochloropsis species are rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and polyunsaturated fatty acids and are highly productive. Nevertheless, Nannochloropsis carbohydrates have been undervalued, but lately, things have been changing, and their interest has been increasing beyond being the preferred substrate for significant biofuel production. Recently, the interest in the potential biomedical application of the water-soluble polysaccharides of Nannochloropsis has greatly increased. Despite this, the knowledge about their composition and chemical structure is still insufficient. In this study, the water-soluble polysaccharides of N. oculata CIB76 were analyzed by infrared, mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The results showed that water-soluble polysaccharides from N. oculata CIB76 have a structure of a β-1,3/1,6 glucan with a molecular weight of 4.2 to 6.2 kDa and a high degree of polymerization of 26 to 36. The type of β-glucans obtained from N. oculata CIB76 has been described as a high-value product with high potential in biomedical applications. These include potential applications in immune modulation, anti-inflammatory treatments, and even anticancer therapies, positioning these compounds as high-value and this study's findings provide foundational insights that could lead to further exploration. In conclusion, this research paves the way for Nannochloropsis as a provider of healthcare solutions and high-value resource.