Overview of Seaweed Oligosaccharides in Medicine
Seaweed, a rich source of complex polysaccharides, has emerged as a powerhouse for generating novel therapeutic leads. Seaweed oligosaccharides, derived through controlled depolymerization of parent polysaccharides (such as fucoidans, laminarans, and alginates), possess distinct and highly desirable biological activities due to their specific structural characteristics. These molecules, being smaller and more uniform than their high-molecular-weight counterparts, exhibit enhanced bioavailability, paving the way for their use as high-purity raw materials in pharmaceutical development. CD BioGlyco specializes in transforming this complex natural resource into precisely defined, pharmaceutical-grade raw materials, offering researchers and developers a streamlined path from marine bioresource to clinical candidate.
Key Technologies
Producing seaweed oligosaccharides of high purity and defined structure is paramount for drug development, where efficacy is inextricably linked to molecular homogeneity. CD BioGlyco utilizes advanced, highly selective enzymatic technologies, moving beyond harsh, structure-degrading chemical hydrolysis. Our core technological advantage lies in a proprietary library of marine polysaccharide-degrading enzymes.
- Engineered Glycoside Hydrolases and Lyases
We employ engineered glycoside hydrolases and polysaccharide lyases specific to the structural linkages found in complex seaweed polysaccharides. This precise enzymatic cleavage allows for the production of oligosaccharides with controlled molecular weights and defined sequences, which are essential for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies. For instance, specific fucoidan lyases are utilized to generate low-molecular-weight fucoidan oligosaccharides (LMWFOs) with superior anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory properties, ensuring batch-to-batch consistency required for raw pharmaceutical ingredients.
- Chromatographic Purification and Fractionation
Following enzymatic digestion, advanced separation techniques are employed. We utilize high-resolution chromatography methods, including size-exclusion, ion-exchange, and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), to achieve exceptionally high purity. This step is crucial for separating the desired oligosaccharide fractions from residual enzymes, salts, and undigested materials, delivering the molecular homogeneity mandatory for drug applications.
Custom-Engineered Seaweed Oligosaccharide Ingredient: Your Biopharma Production Service Partner
Seaweed oligosaccharides are not merely nutritional supplements; they are powerful modulators of biological processes, making them exceptional raw materials for innovative drug candidates. CD BioGlyco's core value is our capacity to custom-engineer these molecules, precisely tailoring critical specifications—such as average molecular weight, sulfation degree, and specific linkage patterns—to align with the unique requirements of your drug target. This customization ensures maximum efficacy, optimal bioavailability, and reduced off-target effects, providing raw materials that meet the exact needs of diverse drug development projects.
This service provides ultra-pure, standardized seaweed oligosaccharides essential for developing next-generation cancer therapies and potent immune regulators. We offer materials like fucoidan oligosaccharides (FOS) and specific alginate oligosaccharides (AOS), which are actively researched for their ability to serve as targeted drug adjuvants, chemosensitizers (enhancing the efficacy of existing chemotherapy), and direct agents against specific malignancies. Our seaweed oligosaccharides are ideal raw materials for clients developing drugs targeting solid tumors such as colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer), and non-small cell lung cancer, by modulating the tumor microenvironment and activating cytotoxic T-cell responses.
Focusing on the global challenge of metabolic syndrome, we provide highly bioavailable seaweed oligosaccharide raw materials for pharmaceuticals targeting glucose and lipid homeostasis. Key products include AOS and certain carrageenan oligosaccharides (COS). These ingredients are critical for the development of drugs treating conditions like type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemia. Their mechanisms involve inhibiting key digestive enzymes, regulating gut hormones, and improving peripheral insulin sensitivity, making them essential for therapeutics aimed at controlling postprandial glucose spikes and managing chronic hyperglycemia.
- Vascular Protection Seaweed Oligosaccharide
We supply specialized seaweed oligosaccharide raw materials for developing agents dedicated to maintaining arterial health and integrity. The most sought-after materials here are purified fucoidan oligosaccharides (FOS), known for their powerful anticoagulant and anti-thrombotic properties. These seaweed oligosaccharides are crucial inputs for developing drugs to prevent or treat endothelial dysfunction, inhibit the formation of atherosclerotic plaque, and manage mild hypertension by promoting nitric oxide production. The goal is to provide raw material solutions for pharmaceutical clients developing products that actively reduce cardiovascular risk factors.
- Anti-gout and Anti-inflammatory Seaweed Oligosaccharide
This service focuses on providing seaweed oligosaccharides with proven anti-inflammatory pathways for managing chronic inflammatory conditions and hyperuricemia-related diseases. We offer optimized forms of AOS and FOS. These ingredients are utilized in the development of drugs and supplements for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), and acute or chronic gouty arthritis. They function by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines (like IL-6 and TNF-α) and, crucially for gout, by potentially modulating the uric acid metabolism pathway and aiding in the reduction of crystalline deposits that trigger painful inflammation.
- Gut Regulation Seaweed Oligosaccharide
We offer high-purity seaweed oligosaccharides to support the formulation of advanced prebiotics and gastrointestinal therapeutics. These seaweed oligosaccharides are foundational raw materials for drugs addressing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and general dysbiosis. Crucially, they excel as ingredients for developing effective laxative products due to their dual action: bulking and regulating. They operate as selective fermentation substrates, promoting the growth of beneficial gut microbiota (e.g., Bifidobacteria), enhancing intestinal barrier integrity, and modulating mucosal immunity. Furthermore, their non-digestible nature helps to increase fecal bulk and water retention, which enhances intestinal motility and aids in the relief of functional constipation, restoring healthy gut function.
- Liver Protection Seaweed Oligosaccharide
Our portfolio includes potent seaweed oligosaccharide materials aimed at safeguarding hepatic health against metabolic and toxic insults. These ingredients are used in the formulation of therapeutic agents targeting non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its advanced form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The seaweed oligosaccharides help prevent hepatic lipid accumulation, reduce oxidative stress in liver cells, and exhibit anti-fibrotic activity, positioning them as vital raw materials for drugs focused on liver regeneration and detoxification support.
- Neuroprotection Seaweed Oligosaccharide
We supply specialized seaweed oligosaccharide intended for applications in cognitive health and neurodegenerative disease research. These raw materials are essential for developing agents to combat Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and vascular dementia. Their utility stems from their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, mitigate neuroinflammation, and promote cholinergic function, supporting pharmaceutical research focused on halting or slowing cognitive decline.
- Dry Eye Treatment Seaweed Oligosaccharide
Providing materials for advanced ophthalmic formulations, this service offers seaweed oligosaccharides optimized for mucosal adhesion and hydration. They are utilized in the development of prescription and over-the-counter anti-dry eye medications (artificial tears) and eye drops. Their properties include enhancing tear film stability, providing superior moisturizing capabilities, reducing ocular surface inflammation, and promoting the repair of damaged corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells, offering prolonged relief and healing.
- UV Repair Seaweed Oligosaccharide
Our focus is on providing high-efficacy seaweed oligosaccharides for advanced dermatological and cosmetic formulations aimed at mitigating solar damage. These raw materials are critical for developing serums and topical drugs that provide post-exposure oxidative stress defense, reduce photodamage (photoaging), inhibit matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity (protecting collagen), and accelerate the natural DNA repair mechanisms of skin cells following ultraviolet exposure.
- Hair Growth Seaweed Oligosaccharide
We provide unique seaweed oligosaccharides ingredients for topical agents targeting various forms of alopecia and promoting scalp health. These raw materials are used in drug development for male and female pattern baldness by stimulating dermal papilla cells, improving scalp microcirculation to enhance nutrient delivery to follicles, and reducing the follicular inflammation often associated with hair loss conditions.
- Uric Acid Lowering Seaweed Oligosaccharide
This service provides highly targeted seaweed oligosaccharide raw materials for drugs addressing hyperuricemia. These ingredients are essential for developing therapies that manage chronic high uric acid levels, often serving as xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitors or modulators, which is the primary enzyme responsible for uric acid production. These materials support the development of effective, natural-source agents for the long-term management of hyperuricemia and the prevention of subsequent gout attacks.
- Anti-bacterial Seaweed Oligosaccharide
We provide standardized seaweed oligosaccharides for the development of novel anti-infective agents. These ingredients are crucial for drugs and materials targeting antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, as they show activity in disrupting bacterial biofilms (a key factor in chronic infections) and interfering with bacterial quorum sensing. These seaweed oligosaccharides are designed to act as stand-alone agents or synergistic enhancers alongside traditional antibiotics.
- Anti-viral Seaweed Oligosaccharide
We offer specific seaweed oligosaccharide raw materials for pharmaceutical research focused on preventing or treating viral infections. These ingredients are researched for developing broad-spectrum antiviral drugs by inhibiting the initial adsorption and entry of viruses (such as certain Herpes viruses or Influenza strains) into host cells, making them essential components in the formulation of both prophylactic and therapeutic antiviral agents.
Workflow
Publication Data
DoI: 10.3390/fermentation7030160
Journal: Fermentation
IF: 3.3
Published: 2021
Results: This study produced bioactive ulvan oligosaccharides (UOS) from green seaweed Ulva lactuca via microbial enzymatic hydrolysis. Ulvan was first hot-water extracted from U. lactuca and purified; two marine bacteria were used to generate hydrolases (ulvanolytic enzymes, amylase, etc.), which degraded ulvan extract at 37°C for 24 h, and ultrafiltration isolated UOS. Chemical analysis showed UOS had higher reducing sugar, total phenols, and sulfate/total sugar ratio than ulvan extract. In vitro tests revealed UOS had stronger ferrous ion chelating activity and angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition than the extract.
Fig.1 Ferrous chelating activity of UOS. (Hung, et al., 2021)
Applications
Biotechnology Research Standards
Providing structurally verified standards and reference materials for academic and industrial laboratories engaged in glycan signaling, cellular recognition studies, and drug target validation.
Medical Device Coatings
Utilizing specific oligosaccharide properties, such as anticoagulant or anti-inflammatory effects, for the surface modification of implantable devices or biocompatible materials.
Advanced Drug Delivery Systems
Developing oligosaccharide conjugates for targeted drug delivery systems, leveraging their binding affinities to specific receptors for enhanced therapeutic concentration in target tissues, such as tumor sites or inflamed joints.
Translational Medicine Studies
Supplying high-purity materials for early-stage translational research, proof-of-concept studies, and pre-clinical model validation focused solely on human health applications.
Advantages
Superior Structural Homogeneity
Our commitment to high-precision enzymatic depolymerization results in raw materials with minimal batch-to-batch variation and exceptional structural definition. Unlike materials produced via harsh chemical processes, our oligosaccharides retain their critical structural integrity.
Advanced Analytical Documentation
Every production is validated using 2D-nuclear magnetic resonance (2D-NMR) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS). We provide comprehensive Certificates of Analysis (COAs) that detail molecular weight distribution, degree of sulfation, and purity levels.
Proven Scalability
We operate under stringent quality management systems capable of scaling production from milligram research quantities to multi-kilogram batches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an advantage to using oligosaccharides over the whole parent polysaccharide in drug development?
Yes, lower molecular weight oligosaccharides typically show better solubility, enhanced cellular permeability, and reduced viscosity, making them ideal for precise dosing and formulated API applications.
We need specific molecular weight fractions. Can you provide custom ranges?
Absolutely. We specifically design flexible, targeted fractionation. We produce materials within extremely tight molecular weight windows (e.g., 500-1,500 Da) to match your specific SAR data. Please detail your target specifications in an inquiry.
Customer Review
"Partnering with CD BioGlyco gave us confidence in our raw material sourcing. Their transparent workflow, from certified seaweed qualification to final QC, demonstrates a commitment to pharmaceutical standards that is rare in this specialized field. Their team is knowledgeable, responsive, and a critical extension of our R&D group."
-J.R., Quality Assurance Manager, Biopharma
"Our project required the ultra-purification of a highly-sulfated oligosaccharide fraction for an oncology target, a technical feat many other vendors deemed impossible due to the structural complexity and charge density. CD BioGlyco's team utilized their specialized ion-exchange chromatography protocols to achieve a purity level exceeding 99% for our target molecule."
-E.M., Director, Process Development
"CD BioGlyco's proprietary enzymatic approach, combined with their preparative HPLC capability, delivered a quality and homogeneity of material we hadn't seen from any other source. This technical expertise enabled us to pinpoint the exact active molecular range required for efficacy, which directly accelerated our preclinical toxicology studies."
-L.B., Chief Scientific Officer, European Pharma R&D
Associated Services
CD BioGlyco is your dedicated, expert partner. Our seaweed oligosaccharide raw material production combines proprietary enzymatic technology with stringent quality control to deliver high-purity, structurally defined materials essential for modern drug development. Please feel free to contact us to discuss customized production solutions and provide professional consulting services based on your unique needs.
References
- Hung, Y.-H.R.; et al. Production of ulvan oligosaccharides with antioxidant and angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitory activities by microbial enzymatic hydrolysis. Fermentation. 2021, 7(3): 160. (Open Access)
- From Wikipedia: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/67/Fucus_serratus_2015-09-08_ag_M0010140.jpg.
