ISBN: 978-93-94174-16_0

Purification and Identification of Marine Bioactive Compounds

Head and Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, K. R. College of Arts and Science, Kovilpatti, Tamil Nadu, India

Marine ecosystems represent an abundant and largely untapped source of bioactive compounds with significant therapeutic and industrial potential. Among these, marine-derived antioxidants have attracted considerable attention due to their ability to mitigate oxidative stress, thereby contributing to the prevention and management of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disorders, cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative conditions. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of marine bioactive compounds, emphasizing their definition, classification, natural sources, extraction, purification, and identification strategies. Various marine organisms, including seaweeds, sponges, mollusks, microorganisms, and marine plants, are highlighted as valuable reservoirs of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, carotenoids, polysaccharides, and other antioxidant metabolites. The chapter discusses advanced extraction and purification techniques that enhance the yield, stability, and bioavailability of these compounds while promoting sustainable utilization of marine resources. Modern analytical approaches, including chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, are presented as essential tools for the accurate identification and characterization of marine bioactives. Furthermore, the chapter explores the biological significance of marine antioxidants, their mechanisms of action, and their expanding applications in functional foods, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic industries. Challenges associated with extraction efficiency, compound stability, standardization, and large-scale commercialization are also addressed, highlighting the need for environmentally sustainable processing technologies and interdisciplinary research. Overall, the chapter underscores the immense potential of marine bioactive compounds as natural antioxidants and emphasizes that continued advancements in purification and analytical methodologies will facilitate their successful translation into high-value commercial products. Future research should focus on improving sustainable extraction processes, enhancing bioavailability, and validating the therapeutic efficacy of marine-derived antioxidants to support their broader application in healthcare, food innovation, and environmental sustainability.

*Corresponding author; e-mail: lubnasadiyah@gmail.com

Cite this Chapter: Kannan, D. 2026. Purification and Identification of Marine Bioactive Compounds. In: M. Kannan and Bhuvaneswari Rajagopal (Eds.), Advances in Aquatic Nutraceutical and Drugs. Excellent Publishers, India. pp. 84-110. doi: https://doi.org/10.20546/978-93-94174-16-0_6