POLYPHENOLS OF BROWN ALGAE

Abstract

The modern state of research of marine brown algae polyphenolic compounds – phlorotannins, is analyzed. The data on the content of phlorotannins in biomass are presented depending on the species of algae and the place of growth. The biosynthesis, morphology, accumulation in the thallus, the physicochemical properties and biological role of these compounds are considered. The classical methods of isolating phlorotannins from algae are described, as well as modern methods, such as ultrasonic, microwave, enzymatic extraction, liquid extraction under pressure and supercritical fluid extraction. The ways of selective extraction of these compounds from extracts by methods of liquid-phase and solid-phase extraction are considered. Methods for studying the polymer composition of phlorotannins like gel permeation chromatography and ultrafiltration are presented. In the review of methods for quantitative determination and structural analysis of phlorotannins, special attention is paid to methods of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and chromatography-mass spectrometry using various ionization methods. The significant biological activity of phlorotannins is shown, which is represented by antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and other activities, which determines the prospects for the practical application of these polyphenolic compounds as therapeutic and prophylactic agents in the food, cosmetic and pharmacological industries.