Fucoidans are unique fucose-rich polysaccharides naturally found in the cell walls of brown seaweed. They are highly bioactive compounds that play a pivotal role in protecting seaweed from water-borne pathogens and damage caused by ultraviolet light (UV). Extensive research has shown that fucoidan extracts can similarly impart protective effects on the skin and have diverse benefits in dermatological applications.
Fucoidans are highly branched, complex polysaccharides of varying size, typically with a high molecular weight. Fucoidans are characterised chemically using validated assays that quantify the sulfation, acetylation, molecular weight and the content of sugars in the carbohydrate ‘backbone’.
Fucoidans differ in chemical structure and bioactivity depending upon the species of seaweed from which they are derived, and the method by which they are extracted. Australian biotechnology company, Marinova, specialises in the solvent-free extraction of organic fucoidan compounds from two fucoidan-rich species of brown seaweed; Undaria pinnatifidaand Fucus vesiculosus.
The company’s two high purity fucoidan skin care ingredients each have distinct benefits and bioactivities. Extracted from polyphenol-rich Fucusseaweed, Maritech Bright®, is a clinically validated brightening ingredient with powerful anti-oxidant properties. Proven to have protecting and soothing effects, Maritech® Reverse is extracted from Undariaseaweed. Both ingredients have shown profound antiageing properties by inhibiting key enzymes responsible for skin damage and boosting proteins. The Maritech ingredient range is the only certified organic fucoidan extracts developed specifically for skin care applications.
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