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Fucoidan promising in wound healing

Abstract image of red blood cells

An innovative Australian study examining polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) strengthens the case for fucoidan as a promising candidate for the development of new materials for use in the medical device sector.

The study is the latest instalment in an ongoing research project at the University of South Australia. The project focusses on the properties of PEMs – biopolymers that have great potential in the areas of wound healing and drug delivery. 

One way in which PEMs can be formed is by depositing alternating layers of chitosan and fucoidan onto a surface. Once the PEM is formed, its physical properties may be studied, along with other aspects such as the adsorption and desorption of small proteins. 

Previous papers by this group investigated the uptake and release of lysozyme, a naturally occurring enzyme with antibacterial properties that is found in bodily secretions such as tears. The most recent study investigated the interaction of these PEMs with fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), a signalling protein that is commonly studied as a model growth factor in studies for wound healing applications.

Discussing the findings, Marinova’s Senior Chemist and a co-author of the paper, Dr Sam Karpiniec, said “This latest research has demonstrated the successful inclusion of FGF-2 into a stable multilayer, which sheds new light on the pathways by which wound healing systems might be developed.”

The fucoidan utilised in the study was Maritech® Fucus vesiculosus fucoidan manufactured in Australia by Marinova.

The full paper, ‘Incorporation of FGF-2 into Pharmaceutical Grade Fucoidan/Chitosan Polyelectrolyte Multilayers’, published in Marine Drugs, is available here.

 

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