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Cited by 381Seaweed-derived Bioactive CompoundsPolysaccharides Composition and ApplicationsPolysaccharides and Plant Cell Walls

Fucoidans from brown seaweeds: an update on structures, extraction techniques and use of enzymes as tools for structural elucidation

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Ale, Marcel Tutor, Meyer, Anne S.·2013·RSC Adv.
DOI 10.1039/c3ra23373a
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Abstract

Fucoidan or fucoidans cover a family of sulfated fucose-rich polysaccharides, built of a backbone of L-fucose units, and characteristically found in brown seaweeds. Fucoidans have potential therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulant activities, as well as anti-proliferative effects on cancer cells. Recent work has revealed distinct structural features of fucoidans obtained from different brown seaweed sources. Fucoidans are classically obtained from brown seaweeds by multi-step, hot acid extraction, but the structural and compositional traits, and possibly the bioactivity, of the fucoidan polysaccharides are significantly influenced by the extraction parameters. This review discusses the structural features of fucoidans, the significance of different extraction technologies, and reviews enzymatic degradation of fucoidans and the use of fucoidan-modifying enzymes for elucidating structural details of fucoidans. Mild extraction techniques coupled with the use of new tools such as enzymes can provide the much needed knowledge about structural characteristics of different fucoidan molecules and thus pave the way for a better understanding of the structural chemistry and bioactivities of fucoidans.

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TL;DR

This review synthesizes the structural diversity of fucoidans (fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharides, FCSPs) from brown seaweeds, arguing that extraction conditions strongly shape yield and composition and that no consistent "fucoidan" backbone exists. It also reviews fucoidan-modifying enzymes (fucoidanases, fucosidases) as tools for structural elucidation and discusses bioactivity and commercial prospects.

Key findings

  • Fucoidan structures vary by species and cannot be predicted by algal order; the prevalent core backbones are (1→3)-linked α-L-fucopyranose and alternating (1→3)/(1→4)-linked α-L-fucopyranosyls, with variable sulfate, acetate, and branch substitutions (Table 1).
  • Extraction parameters significantly affect yield and composition: in the authors' own single-step study on *Sargassum henslowianum*, temperature and time had positive effects and acid concentration a negative effect, with a maximal fucoidan yield of ~7% at 0.03 M HCl, 90 °C, 4 h; 0.2 M HCl broke polysaccharide integrity, lowering fucose at elevated time/temperature.
  • Historical extraction data: a single acid hydrolysis recovered ~50% (w/w) of theoretical maximum fucoidan, while three rounds recovered >80% of fucose; the triple-step protocol (0.1 M HCl, pH 2.0–2.5, 70 °C, 1 h ×3) gave crude fucoidans with 30–36% fucose, and *F. vesiculosus* product contained 44% fucose, 26% total sulfate, and 31% ash. Yields as % fucose of total seaweed fucose were *Pelvetia canaliculata* 76%, *F. vesiculosus* 62%, *Ascophyllum nodosum* 54%, *L. cloustoni* 20%.
  • Fucoidanases show specificity: an endo-1,3-α-fucoidanase from *Fucanobacter lyticus* degraded Laminariales fucoidans but not Fucales or Chordariales; enzymatic treatment of *Fucus distichus* fucoidan confirmed repeating disaccharide units [→3)-α-L-Fucp-(2,4-di-SO₃²⁻)-(1→4)-α-L-Fucp-(2-SO₃²⁻)-(1→].

Methods

  • Narrative review covering fucoidan structural chemistry, extraction technology history (1913–1950s onward), extraction-parameter effects, and fucoidan-modifying enzymes.
  • Includes the authors' own single-step extraction experiment using *Sargassum henslowianum* as a model brown seaweed, with HPAEC-PAD analysis of TFA hydrolysates; extraction parameters tested were acid concentration, time, and temperature.
  • Enzyme data are compiled from published studies (Table 4) and classified by cleavage pattern: type 1 (1→4)-α-L-fucoidan endohydrolase, type 2 (1→3)-α-L-fucoidan endohydrolase, and type 3 exo-acting α-L-fucosidase.

Limitations

  • Stated: no standardized purification procedure exists for fucoidans; the use of many different extraction techniques has exacerbated structural elucidation; the exact structural elements responsible for bioactivity remain unidentified; no pharmaceutical, dermatological, or nutraceutical applications have been officially approved.
  • Stated: heterogeneity within the same seaweed species can lead to pronounced differences in extracted products.
  • Evident from the text: as a narrative review it does not describe a systematic literature search or inclusion criteria, and the extraction-parameter findings derive largely from a single model species (*S. henslowianum*), limiting generalizability.

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Crossref · 10.1039/c3ra23373a

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  • Findingreasoning
    § 3.1 Influence of extraction parameters on fucoidan yield and composition

    Structural integrity of the polysaccharide was best conserved at low acid treatment.

    “Structural integrity of the polysaccharide was best conserved at low acid treatment.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data
    § 3.1 Influence of extraction parameters on fucoidan yield and composition

    A maximal fucoidan yield of about 7% was achieved by the optimal extraction procedure of 0.03 M HCl, 90°C, 4 h.

    “A maximal fucoidan yield of y7% was achieved by the optimal extraction procedure of: 0.03 M HCl, 90 uC, 4 h.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingcitation
    § 3.1 Influence of extraction parameters on fucoidan yield and composition

    HPAEC-PAD analysis of the TFA hydrolysate of S. henslowianum confirmed that fucose, galactose, and glucuronic acid were the major constituents of the extracted polysaccharides obtained by the optimized method.

    “The HPAEC-PAD analysis of the TFA hydrolysate of S. henslowianum confirmed that fucose, galactose, and glucuronic acid were the major constituents of the extracted polysaccharides obtained by the optimized method.3”
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  • Findingcitation
    § 3.1 Influence of extraction parameters on fucoidan yield and composition

    Use of 0.2 M HCl broke the integrity of the polysaccharide molecules, resulting in a decline of fucose at elevated time and temperature.

    “The use of 0.2 M HCl apparently broke the integrity of the polysaccharide molecules resulting in a decline of fucose at elevated time and temperature.3”
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  • Interpretationcitation
    § Abstract

    The structural and compositional traits, and possibly the bioactivity, of fucoidan polysaccharides are significantly influenced by extraction parameters.

    “the structural and compositional traits, and possibly the bioactivity, of the fucoidan polysaccharides are significantly influenced by the extraction parameters.”
    • Also stated in: § 3.1 Influence of extraction parameters on fucoidan yield and composition · boosted
      “The data demonstrate the vulnerability of fucoidan structures to harsh extraction conditions and confirm that the extraction method significantly influences the yields and not least the composition of the extracted polysaccharides.”
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    Findingown data
    § 3.1 Influence of extraction parameters on fucoidan yield and composition

    All extraction parameters had significant effects on the fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharide yield, with temperature and time exerting positive effects and acid concentration having a negative effect.

    “All extraction parameters had significant effects on the yields, i.e. the fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharide yield, with the temperature and time exerting positive effects, and the acid concentration having a negative effect.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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    Findingown data
    § 3.1 Influence of extraction parameters on fucoidan yield and composition

    Lower polysaccharide yield but relatively higher fucose content was obtained with shorter extraction time.

    “Lower polysaccharide yield, but relatively higher fucose content was obtained with shorter extraction time.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation
    § Abstract

    Fucoidans are a family of sulfated fucose-rich polysaccharides built of a backbone of L-fucose units and characteristically found in brown seaweeds.

    “Fucoidan or fucoidans cover a family of sulfated fucose-rich polysaccharides, built of a backbone of Lfucose units, and characteristically found in brown seaweeds.”
    • Also stated in: § 1 Introduction · plain
      “Fucoidans in fact designate a group of fucose-rich, sulfated polysaccharides, usually built of a backbone of a-linked L- fucose residues having various substitutions.”
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    Premisenone given
    § 4.1 Fucoidan modifying enzymes

    Enzymes catalyzing modifications of fucoidan polysaccharides, i.e. fucoidanases, include Fucoidanases EC 3.2.1.44, which catalyze endo-hydrolysis of (1→2)-α-L-fucoside linkages in fucoidans without release of sulfate, and α-L-Fucosidases EC 3.2.1.51, which catalyze hydrolytic release of L-fucose via cleavage of α(1→3)-, α(1→4)- and possibly also α(1→2)-O-fucosyl bonds in fucoidan oligosaccharides.

    “Enzymes catalyzing modifications of fucoidan polysaccharides, i.e. ''fucoidanases'', include: i) Fucoidanases, EC 3.2.1.44,which catalyze the endo-hydrolysis of (1A2)-a-L-fucoside linkages in fucoidans without release of sulfate, and ii) a-L-Fucosidases, EC 3.2.1.51which catalyze the hydrolytic release of L-fucose, via cleavage of a(1A3)-, a(1A4)and possibly also of a(1A2)-O-fucosyl bonds in fuc”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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    Premisecitation
    § 3.1 Influence of extraction parameters on fucoidan yield and composition

    Longer extraction time at higher temperatures led to higher polysaccharide yield with lower amounts of sulfate and a higher proportion of glucuronic acid.

    “It has also been shown by others that longer extraction time at higher temperatures led to higher polysaccharide yield with lower amounts of sulfate and a higher proportion of glucuronic acid.11,17”
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    Interpretationown data
    § 3.1 Influence of extraction parameters on fucoidan yield and composition

    The data demonstrate the vulnerability of fucoidan structures to harsh extraction conditions and confirm that the extraction method significantly influences the yields and composition of the extracted polysaccharides.

    “The data demonstrate the vulnerability of fucoidan structures to harsh extraction conditions and confirm that the extraction method significantly influences the yields and not least the composition of the extracted polysaccharides.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given
    § 1 Introduction

    Fucoidan polysaccharides are mainly found in brown seaweeds, but fucoidans differ in structure among brown seaweed species.

    “Fucoidan polysaccharides are mainly found in brown seaweeds, but fucoidans differ in structure among brown seaweed species.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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    Premisenone given
    § 2 Structures and chemical nature of fucoidans

    Fucoidans isolated from L. saccharina are mainly composed of α(1→3)-linked L-fucopyranose units, with sulfate at both C-2 and C-4, or at C-4 alone.

    “Fucoidans isolated from L. saccharina (Laminariales) are thus mainly composed of a(1A3)-linked L- fucopyranose units, but with sulfate at both C-2 and C-4, or at C-4 alone, however (Table 1).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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    Premisenone given
    § 2 Structures and chemical nature of fucoidans

    Fucoidans isolated from Ascophyllum nodosum have a backbone consisting of a repeating structure of α(1→3)-linked L-fucopyranose residues with sulfate at C-2, with α(1→3)-linked L-fucopyranose residues linked to α(1→4)-L-fucopyranose residues with disulfate at C-2 and C-3.

    “These fucoidan molecules have a backbone consisting of a repeating structure of a(1A3)-linked L-fucopyranose residues with sulfate at the C-2 position, with the a(1A3)-linked L- fucopyranose residues linked to a(1A4)-L-fucopyranose residues with disulfate at C-2 and C-3 (Table 1).”
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    Premisecitation
    § 2 Structures and chemical nature of fucoidans

    Sulfate groups on the fucans are typically located at C-4 of an α(1→3)-linked unit or on C-2 of an α(1→4)-linked residue.

    “The sulfate groups on the fucans are typically located at C-4 of a (1A3)-linked unit or on C-2 of a (1A4)-linked residue.11”
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    Premisecitation
    § 1 Introduction

    Classical extraction of fucoidans may include calcium addition to promote alginate precipitation during purification.

    “and may include calcium addition to promote alginate precipitation during purification, 3,4”
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    Premisecitation
    § 1 Introduction

    Fucoidans are vulnerable to harsh extraction conditions, and the extraction method significantly influences the yields and polysaccharide composition of extracted fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharides.

    “It has recently been demonstrated that fucoidans are vulnerable to harsh extraction conditions and that the extraction method significantly influences the yields and not least the polysaccharide composition of the extracted fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharides.3”
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    Premisenone given
    § 4.1 Fucoidan modifying enzymes

    Fucoidanases have been intensely studied in relation to bacterial degradation of fucoidans and molecular structure elucidation of fucoidan.

    “On the other hand, fucoidanases have been intensely studied in relation to bacterial degradation of fucoidans and molecular structure elucidation of fucoidan”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § Abstract

    Mild extraction techniques coupled with new tools such as enzymes can provide knowledge about structural characteristics of different fucoidan molecules and pave the way for better understanding of the structural chemistry and bioactivities of fucoidans.

    “Mild extraction techniques coupled with the use of new tools such as enzymes can provide the much needed knowledge about structural characteristics of different fucoidan molecules and thus pave the way for a better understanding of the structural chemistry and bioactivities of fucoidans.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation
    § 2 Structures and chemical nature of fucoidans

    Fucoidans from Cladosiphon okamuranus are basically made up of linear backbones of α(1→3)-linked L-fucopyranose residues with a portion of the fucose residues being O-acetylated and with some sulfate substitution at C-4.

    “Similarly, the fucoidans from Cladosiphon okamuranus (Chordariales) are basically made up of linear backbones of a(1A3)-linked L- fucopyranose residues (Table 1) with a portion of the fucose residues being O-acetylated and with some sulfate substitution at the C-4 position.8”
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    Premisecitation
    § 4.1 Fucoidan modifying enzymes

    Fucoidanases have been intensely studied in relation to bacterial degradation of fucoidans and molecular structure elucidation of fucoidan polysaccharides.

    “hand, fucoidanases have been intensely studied in relation to bacterial degradation of fucoidans and molecular structure elucidation of fucoidan polysaccharides.35,36,42”
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    Premisecitation
    § 2 Structures and chemical nature of fucoidans

    Fucoidans from Chorda filum consist of a core backbone structure of poly-α(1→3)-linked L-fucopyranoses sulfated mainly at C-4, sometimes at C-2, with some α(1→3)-linked fucose residues being 2-O-acetylated.

    “These structural units are similar to those found in the fucoidans from Chorda filum (Laminariales) which consist of a core backbone structure of poly-a(1A3)-linked L-fucopyranoses sulfated mainly at C-4, sometimes at the C-2 position, and with some of the a(1A3)linked fucose residues being 2-O-acetylated.4,14”
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    Premisecitation
    § 2 Structures and chemical nature of fucoidans

    Sulfated β-D-galactan has been isolated in trace amounts from Laminaria angustata and classified as fucoidans, even though β-D-galactose appears to be the major sugar, and L-fucose and D-glucuronic acid are present only as trace components.

    “Sulfated b-D-galactan has been isolated in trace amounts from Laminaria angustata and these polysaccharides have also been classified as fucoidans, eventhough b-D-galactose appear to be the major sugar, and L-fucose and D-glucuronic acid are present only as trace components.15”
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    Premisecitation
    § 2 Structures and chemical nature of fucoidans

    Fucoidans in the order Fucales, e.g. Fucus evanescens and Fucus serratus, possess a large proportion of both α(1→3)- and α(1→4)-linked L-fucopyranose residues, which may be substituted with sulfate on C-2 and C-4.

    “The fucoidans in brown seaweeds in the order of Fucales, e.g.Fucus evanescens and Fucus serratus, represent the typical structures: They possess a large proportion of both a(1A3)and a(1A4)-linked L-fucopyranose residues, which may be substituted with sulfate (SO 3 2 ) on C-2 and C-4 (Table 1).6,7,10”
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    Interpretationreasoning
    § 2 Structures and chemical nature of fucoidans

    Fucoidans extracted from brown seaweeds under the same seaweed classification (i.e. order) have different composition, and structural traits cannot be categorized or predicted according to algal order.

    “It also seems clear that fucoidans extracted from brown seaweeds under the same seaweed classification (i.e.order) have different composition, and in turn that the structural traits cannot be categorized or predicted according to algal order as also indicated in Table 2.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given
    § 1 Introduction

    Mild extraction technology is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of fucoidan polysaccharides and for preserving their biological properties.

    “Mild extraction technology is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the fucoidan polysaccharides and for preserving their biological properties.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Fucoidan polysaccharides have potential therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulant, and anti-proliferative effects on cancer cells.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data
    § 3.1 Influence of extraction parameters on fucoidan yield and composition

    Available published data, including the paper's own findings, generally show that the term fucoidan has been used for several chemical structures, and that fucoidans is a term covering a family of fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharides.

    “The available published data, including our own findings, thus generally show that the term ''fucoidan'' has been used for several chemical structures, and vice versa, that fucoidans is a term that covers a family of fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharides.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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    Premisecitation
    § 3.1 Influence of extraction parameters on fucoidan yield and composition

    Longer extraction time led to poorer fucose content, whereas glucuronic acid increased while sulfate decreased with time; sulfate content was highest when glucuronic acid was lowest.

    “Ponce et al. (2003) 17 thus reported that longer extraction time led to poorer fucose content, whereas glucuronic acid increased while sulfate decreased with time, i.e., the sulfate content was highest when glucuronic acid was lowest.17”
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    Premisenone given
    § 2 Structures and chemical nature of fucoidans

    Fucoidans from brown seaweed algae generally consist of a backbone of α(1→3)-L-fucopyranose residues or of alternating α(1→3) and α(1→4)-linked L-fucopyranosyls, which may be substituted with sulfate or acetate and/or have side branches containing fucopyranoses or other glycosyl units, e.g. glucuronic acid.

    “Fucoidans from brown seaweed algae generally consist of a backbone of a(1A3)-L-fucopyranose residues or of alternating a(1A3) and a(1A4)-linked L-fucopyranosyls, which in either case may be substituted with sulfate or acetate and/or have side branches containing fucopyranoses or other glycosyl units, e.g.glucuronic acid.”
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    Premisereasoning
    § 5.1 Fucoidan bioactivity and potential applications

    Fucoidans are water soluble and can easily be incorporated into lotions, creams and other beauty products.

    “Since fucoidans are water soluble, they can easily be incorporated into lotions, creams and other beauty products.”
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    Premisecitation
    § Kjellmaniella crassifolia [A3)-a-L-Fucp-(1A3)-a-L-Fucp-(1A3)-a-L-Fucp-(1A3)-a-L-Fucp-(1A]; branching mainly of (1A2)-a-L-Fucp single units

    Marine bacteria such as Fucophilus fucoidanolyticus are to a certain extent able to consume fucoidans of various structures and apparently synthesize a number of fucoidan-degrading enzymes.

    “Marine bacteria such as Fucophilus fucoidanolyticus are to a certain extent able to consume fucoidans of various structures and apparently”
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    Interpretationreasoning
    § Kjellmaniella crassifolia [A3)-a-L-Fucp-(1A3)-a-L-Fucp-(1A3)-a-L-Fucp-(1A3)-a-L-Fucp-(1A]; branching mainly of (1A2)-a-L-Fucp single units

    Targeted use of fucoidanases might assist in determining the precise molecular structures accountable for preventive bioactivity effects.

    “In this connection, the targeted use of fucoidanases might assist in determining the precise molecular structures accountable for preventive bioactivity effects.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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    Premisecitation
    § 5.1 Fucoidan bioactivity and potential applications

    Fucoidans may enhance dermal fibroblast proliferation and deposition of collagen.

    “Fucoidans may enhance dermal fibroblast proliferation and deposition of collagen; 52”
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    § 5.1 Fucoidan bioactivity and potential applications

    Production of pure fucoidan products is challenging because of the presence of other polysaccharides, such as alginate.

    “Production of pure fucoidan products is challenging because of the presence of other polysaccharides, such as alginate.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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    Premisecitation
    § 5.1 Fucoidan bioactivity and potential applications

    Algal fucoidans have diverse biological functions and possible therapeutic properties including antitumor, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and anticoagulant effects.

    “Algal fucoidans have been the subject of numerous scientific studies due to their diverse biological functions and possible therapeutic properties including antitumor, immunomodulatory, 45 anti-inflammatory, 6 antithrombotic, and anticoagulant effects.46”
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    Interpretationreasoning
    § 6 Conclusions and outlook

    Fucoidans exert potentially significant pharmaceutical effects but are a family of differently structured polysaccharides comprising structural units having distinct traits.

    “Among the polysaccharides from brown seaweeds, fucoidans have turned out to exert potentially significant pharmaceutical effects, but at the same time to be a family of differently structured polysaccharides comprising structural units having distinct traits.”
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    § 6 Conclusions and outlook

    Fine structural details of fucoidans vary depending on seaweed type and species.

    “It is known now that the fine structural details of fucoidans vary depending on seaweed type and species.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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    Interpretationreasoning
    § Kjellmaniella crassifolia [A3)-a-L-Fucp-(1A3)-a-L-Fucp-(1A3)-a-L-Fucp-(1A3)-a-L-Fucp-(1A]; branching mainly of (1A2)-a-L-Fucp single units

    Lack of standardized extraction methodology prevents detailed comparison and obstructs understanding of the correlation between fucoidan polysaccharide structures and biological functions.

    “The lack of a standardized extraction methodology prevents detailed comparison and most importantly obstructs the understanding of the correlation between fucoidan 4.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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    Premisecitation
    § Kjellmaniella crassifolia [A3)-a-L-Fucp-(1A3)-a-L-Fucp-(1A3)-a-L-Fucp-(1A3)-a-L-Fucp-(1A]; branching mainly of (1A2)-a-L-Fucp single units

    At least one intracellular fucoidanase from Fucophilus fucoidanolyticus seems able to catalyse splitting of 1,3α-glycosidic bonds and has been demonstrated to express deacetylase activity effective on acetylated fucoidans from Cladosiphon okamuranus.

    “At least one of them (intracellular fucoidanase) seems to have the ability to catalyse the splitting of 1,3a-glycosidic bonds and has also been demonstrated to express deacetylase activity being effective on acetylated fucoidans from Cladosiphon okamuranus.33”
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    Premisenone given
    § Kjellmaniella crassifolia [A3)-a-L-Fucp-(1A3)-a-L-Fucp-(1A3)-a-L-Fucp-(1A3)-a-L-Fucp-(1A]; branching mainly of (1A2)-a-L-Fucp single units

    The biological activity of fucoidans depends on seaweed source, compositional and structural traits, content (charge density), distribution, and bonding of sulfate substitutions, and purity of the fucoidan product.

    “The biological activity of fucoidans depend on the seaweed source, the compositional and structural traits, the content (charge density), distribution, and bonding of the sulfate substitutions, and the purity of the fucoidan product.”
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    Premisecitation
    § 5.1 Fucoidan bioactivity and potential applications

    Bioactive properties of fucoidans are defined by their structural make-up, notably related to fucose sulfated chains.

    “It has been suggested that the bioactive properties of fucoidans are defined by their structural make-up, and notably related to the fucose sulfated chains.15”
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    Premisenone given
    § 6 Conclusions and outlook

    Exact correlations between various bioactivities and molecular and structural features of fucoidans still have to be clarified.

    “Despite intensive research, the exact correlations between the various bioactivities and the molecular and structural features of fucoidans still have to be clarified.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation
    § 5.1 Fucoidan bioactivity and potential applications

    Fucoidan induces apoptosis in HT-29 colon cancer cells, MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, and HS-Sultan human lymphoma cells.

    “Fucoidan was also reported to induce apoptosis in HT-29 colon cancer cells, 47 MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, 48 and HS-Sultan human lymphoma cells.49”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [47] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [48] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [49] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Premisenone given
    § Kjellmaniella crassifolia [A3)-a-L-Fucp-(1A3)-a-L-Fucp-(1A3)-a-L-Fucp-(1A3)-a-L-Fucp-(1A]; branching mainly of (1A2)-a-L-Fucp single units

    Fucoidan polysaccharides and other FCSPs exhibit significant biological properties in vitro such as anti-proliferative activity on cancer cells.

    “As mentioned earlier, fucoidan polysaccharides and other FCSPs exhibit significant biological properties in vitro such as anti-prolif-erative activity on cancer cells.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given
    § 6 Conclusions and outlook

    Harsh chemicals are environmentally burdensome and have detrimental effects on yield and compositions of end product polysaccharides.

    “Harsh chemicals are environmentally burdensome and have detrimental effects on the yield and compositions of the end product polysaccharides.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning
    § 6 Conclusions and outlook

    Fucoidanases may provide new tools for elucidation of detailed fucoidan structures from various sources.

    “Fucoidanases may provide new tools for elucidation of detailed fucoidan structures from various sources.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
41 of 41

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Fucoidan polysaccharides have potential therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulant, and anti-proliferative effects on cancer cells.

    “Fucoidans have potential therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulant activities, as well as anti-proliferative effects on cancer cells.”
    “Fucoidan polysaccharides exhibit a number of pharmaceutically interesting biological activities, including immuno-modulatory, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulant effects (to be discussed in more detail later).”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    No standardized purification procedure is available for fucoidans at present.

    “but no standardized purification procedure is available for fucoidans at present.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The heterogeneity of the structural make-up of seaweeds within the same species may lead to pronounced differences in the products extracted.

    “In addition, the heterogeneity of the structural make-up of seaweeds within the same species may lead to pronounced differences in the products extracted.”
3 of 3

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • The absence of standardized extraction methodologies has blocked official approval of polysaccharides or their fractions for pharmaceutical, dermatological, nutraceutical or other commercial uses.

    “The lack of standardized extraction methodologies has prevented the approval of polysaccharides or their derived fractions to be officially approved for pharmaceutical, dermatological, nutraceutical or other commercial applications to date”

    From Polysaccharides from macroalgae: Recent advances, innovative technologies and challenges in extraction and purification (2017) · cites this paper as Ale & Meyer, 2013

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Example fucose content falls outside the stated range

    Minor

    The passage says samples obtained by the procedure contained 30-36% fucose, then gives a product from the same protocol as an example containing 44% fucose.

1 of 1

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 4

  1. H. Kylin in Hoppe-Seyleŕs Zeitschrift für physiologische Chemie, 1913, vol. 83, p. 171
  2. H. Kylin in Hoppe-Seyleŕs Zeitschrift für physiologische Chemie, 1915, vol. 94, p. 337
  3. G. Lunde , E.Heen and E.Öy in Hoppe-Seyleŕs Zeitschrift für physiologische Chemie, 1937, vol. 247, p. 189
  4. Shin-ichi, 1992, Biosci., Biotechnol., Biochem., 56, 1829, 10.1271/bbb.56.1829 · DOI · Paper page

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Ale, M. T., & Meyer, A. S.
Affiliations
Technical University of Denmark (DK)
Corresponding author
Meyer, Anne S.
ORCID
Venue
RSC Adv.
Publisher
Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Published
2013
Volume
3
Issue
22
Pages
8131-8141
ISSN
2046-2069 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1039/c3ra23373a
OpenAlex
W2165865189
Semantic Scholar
9ec7156ada540774a377f33054ce052291b5f9dc
Cited by
381
References
50
Citations by year
2026: 38 · 2025: 33 · 2024: 32 · 2023: 33 · 2022: 36 · 2021: 39 · 2020: 50 · 2019: 43 · 2018: 28 · 2017: 17 · 2016: 13 · 2015: 9 · 2014: 9
FWCI
15.78
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
cc-by
Locations
  • RSC Advances (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Technical University of Denmark, DTU Orbit (Technical University of Denmark, DTU) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Aquatic Science › Seaweed-derived Bioactive Compounds
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Food Science › Polysaccharides Composition and Applications
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Plant Science › Polysaccharides and Plant Cell Walls
Keywords
fucoidan, brown algae, polysaccharide structure, enzymatic degradation, structure elucidation, anti-inflammatory activity, anticoagulant activity, antiproliferative activity

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-07.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-07.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

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