Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 1. Chemical structure of the dimeric repeating unit of a) Ulvan, b) Fucoidan, c)
λ
-
Carrageenan.
Fig. 2. Chemical structure of the dimeric repeating unit of a) Chondroitin sulphate, b)
Hyaluronic acid.
This resemblance and the possibility of obtaining this material from cheap and renewable
resources make it worthwhile a deeper investigation on the biological activity and the
feasibility of using this polysaccharide for biomedical applications.
2. Ulvan properties
Ulvales (Chlorophyta) are very common seaweeds distributed worldwide. The two main
genera
Ulva
and
Enteromorpha
are sadly known for being involved in processes detrimental
for the aquatic environment. Indeed this algal biomass proliferates very quickly in eutrophic
coastal and lagoon waters in the form of “green tides” leading up to hypoxia and death of
most of aquatic organisms (Morand & Brian, 1996). Environmental concerns arise also for
the disposal of this huge biomass that is mostly left do degrade on the shore creating
nuisance problems, so that its exploitation could represent a remedy to related
environmental and economical concerns.
To date, this biomass has very low added value and its use is limited to food consumption
(Bobin-Dudigeon et al., 1997) composting (Mazè et al., 1993) and methane production
