Hi,

I am currently in the process of isolating fucoidan from seaweed extracts native to my country. Along the process, I would like to ensure that no microbial contaminants are harboring on the isolated sample, because I will also be subjecting the isolate for biological assays.

With these in mind, will lyophilization help in preventing the growth and/or kill any existing microbial contaminants in my sample? On the other hand, should I cross-out the idea of attempting to autoclave the fucoidan isolate? As a simple background, fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide.

(In the end of the isolation process, I will really subject the isolate for lyophilization because it is originally moist and semi-solid in nature. If autoclaving should not be considered, will lyophilization suffice, considering that I will subject it to biological assays?)

Any input would be greatly appreciated!