Hydrocolloids from Marine Macroalgae: Isolation and Applications

Abstract

Hydrocolloids are natural polymeric substances which are commonly isolated from marine macroalgae. From the last four decades, hydrocolloids have played a significant role in food, cosmeceuticals, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceutical applications due to their excellent properties as thickeners, for hydrogel formation, for moisture retention, etc. As concern with the global food demand grows, these hydrocolloids play a vital role in the next generation food industries to meet global food consumption. Major hydrocolloids from the marine macroalgae are alginate, agar, carrageenan, etc. In this chapter, we discuss the isolation procedure, common sources, chemical composition, and structural and physio-chemical properties of hydrocolloids derived from marine macroalgae. Different kinds of isolation techniques and applications are also discussed. In conclusion, the proper isolation techniques and appropriate utilization of these hydrocolloids will be promising in food-related applications.