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Marinova Newsletter |
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September 2016 |
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Welcome from Paul Garrott, CEO
In a world where nanomedicine and 3D printing of medical implants have now become realities, it is easy to discount the fact that natural compounds still have an extremely important role to play in modern medicine. Until quite recently, plants were an important source of novel pharmacologically active compounds with many blockbuster drugs being derived directly or indirectly from plants. Common pain relieving medications like aspirin and codeine through to chemotherapy agents like paclitaxel, all have their origins in plants.
Interestingly, one recent study has estimated that up to half of the drugs approved during the last 30 years have been derived either directly or indirectly from natural products. With the advent of high-throughput screening, attention is increasingly turning from terrestrial plants to marine plants as a source of next generation therapeutics.
Fucoidan is well-and-truly at the forefront of this research. As you will read in this edition of our newsletter, recent research continues to reveal new applications for fucoidan, including possible use in implant technologies and potential as a therapeutic in the areas of blood cancer and nanomedicine.
We hope you enjoy reading our September news.
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In this issue
Quick links
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Fucoidan and the gut microbiome
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In recent years, the gut microbiome has been implicated in virtually all aspects of general health. This complex system consists of vast colonies of multiple strains of bacteria, the balance of which has marked effects on allergies, metabolic health and even mental health.
It has been known for several years that algal polysaccharides have a beneficial effect on the gut. Fucoidan in particular has been shown to inhibit inflammation in a... READ MORE
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Fucoidan in the headlines |
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Oral fucoidan inhibits allergic responses
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Fucoidan has been shown to have anti-allergic effects. This action has again been demonstrated in new research, where mice were administered oral fucoidan. Blood analysis indicated the anti-allergic effects were dependent on the increased levels of a molecule called galectin-9. Researchers found fucoidan increased the expression of galectin-9 mRNA in intestinal epithelial cells, as well as serum galectin-9 levels. This study further supports the use of fucoidan as an effective allergy reducing supplement. FULL ARTICLE
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Fucoidan prevents angiogenesis induced by blood cancer cells
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Multiple myeloma is a largely incurable type of blood cancer. New research has evaluated the effect of fucoidan on angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels) in human myeloma cells. Researchers established that fucoidan decreased tube formation and migration on human endothelial cells in vitro. Additionally, fucoidan negatively affected tumour growth and angiogenesis in vivo. Researchers concluded that fucoidan may be useful in the treatment of multiple myeloma. FULL ARTICLE
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Fucoidan in the emerging field of nanomedicine
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Nanomedicine is the medical application of nanotechnology. A recently published paper provides a comprehensive review of fucoidans in nanomedicine as imaging agents, drug carriers or for their intrinsic properties. The origin and physicochemical specifications of fucoidans are summarised, in order to discuss the merits of fucoidan-containing nanosystems in health applications. The authors emphasise the need for reproducible, well characterised fucoidans to safeguard progress in the field. FULL ARTICLE
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Fucoidan in the Taiwanese market |
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The widespread acceptance and use of fucoidan as a complementary therapy in Japan and Korea is well known. The bioactive properties of fucoidan have been well researched in these two countries, with medical practitioners and other health professionals recommending high purity fucoidan extracts to their patients for several decades. What is less well known, however, is the prevalence of fucoidan use in Taiwan. Like its close geographical neighbours, Taiwan... READ MORE
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Fucoidan improves implant biocompatibility |
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New research has further confirmed the bioactive effects of fucoidan on blood coagulation. This latest study investigated the biocompatibility of implanted devices that are in contact with the blood stream, using different coatings. Implantable devices can be used short term (such as catheters or wound dressings) or long term (such as permanent stents to strengthen arteries). The design of implantable devices has to take into account this period of... READ MORE
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Staff profile: Dr Sam Karpiniec |
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Marinova wishes to introduce its Senior Chemist to our readers – Dr Sam Karpiniec.
Dr Karpiniec joined Marinova in 2010 after completing his Doctorate at the University of Tasmania on catalytic chemistry and its application to large-scale industrial processes.
Click here to learn more about Dr Karpiniec and his role in the Marinova laboratory, in a brief personal interview.
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Supporting young scientists |
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Marinova is thrilled to announce its sponsorship of the 2016 University of Tasmania Science Investigation Awards. This annual award program typically engages over 1,000 Tasmanian students from grades 5 to 12 and helps foster their skills in scientific methods and investigation. The objective of the Science Investigation Awards is to increase interest amongst school students towards studying science, as well as their awareness of science career... READ MORE
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Meet Marinova: Upcoming events in 2016
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Supply Side West Expo & Conference
Meet: Mr Kevin Krail (Business Development Manager)
When: 4th - 8th October 2016
Where: Las Vegas, California, USA
Please get in touch if you would like to organise a meeting with Kevin at Supply Side West.
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