Fucoidans: Applications in the food industry
A recent review paper has summarised the wide range of applications of fucoidan in the food industry. Applications include the use of fucoidans as functional food ingredients, the successful development of delivery vehicles for bioactive compounds, as stabilisers, and incorporation into innovative food packaging solutions.
The paper reviews the key biological activities of fucoidans, including antioxidant, anti-tumour, antiviral and anti-inflammatory potential. It describes the successful integration of fucoidan into functional foods to provide a variety of health benefits. These foods range from yoghurt and beverages to bread and pasta. Fucoidans have also been incorporated into edible films used to coat food products for the purpose of extending their shelf life. Such edible films are promising substitutes for traditional synthetic packaging. In addition to offering biological activity, they are biodegradable, natural, renewable, and non-toxic.
Fucoidan-based delivery systems, such as nanoparticles, nanoemulsions and hydrogels, are well described in the paper. The paper also notes the use of fucoidans in the formulation of nutraceuticals and the distinct advantages they offer in terms of stability, oral bioavailability and controlled release.
Furthermore, the review paper provides a useful update on fucoidan extraction and purification methods.
The full paper, ‘Marine fucoidans: Structural, extraction, biological activities and their applications in the food industry’ was published in the journal Food Hydrocolloids.