**Preface to "Fucoidans"**

Fucoidans are a group of fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharides found in many species of brown seaweed, with numerous bioactive properties. These days, fucoidans in the market are highly attractive, because fucoidans isolated from different brown seaweeds have been scientifically and industrially studied for their potential biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anticoagulant, antivirus, and anticancer. Besides, the chemical structures of fucoidans are unique, due to fucose-rich polysaccharides, containing sulfate groups. These sulfated polysaccharides are not found in land plants. Therefore, this book entitled "Fucoidans" will help with the understanding and application of fucoidans, not only in research, but also in industrial applications.

> **You-Jin Jeon** *Editor*
