최근에 해조류 유래 기능성 소재는 항종양성, 항바이러스성, 항혈액응고 및 면역력 증강 등의 다양한 생리활성기능을 갖는 것으로 알려져 있다. 특히 해조 다당류를 저분자화하면 다양한 생체조절 기능성이 월등히 높게 나타나고 있음이 보고되고 있다. 따라서 해조 다당류를 해조류로부터 효과적으로 추출하는 방법의 최적화 및 해조 다당류의 저분자화를 통하여 해조 다당류 기능성 증진 방법에 대한 연구가 활발히 진행되고 있다. 본 총설에서는 최근 부각되고 있는 해양 미생물 유래 해조 다당류 분해효소를 이용한 기능성 신소재 개발 및 산업적 응용에 대하여 논하고자 한다.

Recently seaweed polysaccharides have been extensively studied due to their various biological functions including antitumor, antiviral, anticoagulant, and anti-inflammatory activities. Although seaweed polysaccharides are known to possess numerous beneficial properties, their industrial applications have been limited due to the low inclusion efficiency and high cost of manufacturing involved in chemical hydrolysis. In addition, the smell of seaweed has been a limiting factor in its application in the food and cosmetic industries. Therefore, novel hydrolysis methods and the deodorization of seaweed are required if the extensive application of seaweed polysaccharides is to be seen. A number of studies have examined various seaweed polysaccharide-degrading enzymes, which have been isolated from marine microorganisms, and enzymatic hydrolysis processes have been investigated for the improvement of production yields and the bio-efficacy of seaweed polysaccharides. This review is a synopsis on the properties of seaweed polysaccharides-degrading enzymes from marine microorganisms and their industrial applications. The review reveals the pressing need for more concentrated research on the development of new biological materials from seaweed.