Marinova Newsletter

Fucoidan combats inflammatory bowel disorders

New research published in the international journal PLOS ONE supports the potential for Maritech® fucoidan extracts to combat inflammatory bowel disorders.

Researchers from the University of Tasmania (UTAS) demonstrated that oral administration of fucoidan extracted from the Fucus vesiculosus seaweed species significantly reduces the pathology of the debilitating bowel disorder ulcerative colitis. Cumulative histological disease scores for the distal colon were reduced by up to 36.3% by fucoidan extracts. Weight loss – a common and often undesirable side effect of colitis – was reduced by more than 50%. Read More

Fucoidan in the headlines

Fucoidan displays potential in aggressive liver cancer

Survival rates are low for many types of liver cancer - including poorly differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma. Recent research investigated the effects of fucoidan on cells from this cancer type in vitro. The researchers studied the effects of fucoidan on a proliferation regulator known as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) as well as its downstream metabolism and cell cycle-related molecules in a poorly differentiated human hepatoma HLF cell line. The results suggested that fucoidan inhibited proliferation of the cancer cells via the AMPK-associated suppression of fatty acid synthesis and cell cycle G1/S transition. Read More

Fucoidan interferes with tumour survival mechanisms

Fucoidan is known to interfere with the binding of a cellular receptor called ‘CXCR4’ to a chemokine known as ‘CXCL12’ or ‘stromal derived factor 1’. The binding of these receptors is critical for the growth of tumours, and blocking the binding may assist in inhibiting cancer. In early-stage research, fucoidan and heparin were investigated for their effects on human Burkitt’s lymphoma cells. The study results demonstrated that blocking the CXCL12-induced CXCR4 receptor activation (and downstream effects like migration and secretion of matrix metalloproteinase-9) could be an effective method to control tumour growth and metastasis. Read More

Fucoidan inhibits growth and spread of lung cancer in mice

Recently published research out of Taiwan suggested that oral fucoidan lessened body weight loss and reduced lung masses in mice inoculated with lung cancer. In this study, fucoidan down-regulated the expression of a number of key markers associated with tumour development, spread and proliferation. These markers included matrix metalloproteinases, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and vascular endothelial growth factor. The researchers concluded that fucoidan is a promising chemo-preventative agent for minimising weight loss symptoms associated with this condition and reducing tumour proliferation. Read More

Heart health and fucoidan

Several studies published this year from around the world have used fucoidan in various models to advance stem cell therapies, biomaterial devices, and protection of heart cells. The increase in research in these areas highlights the beneficial effects of fucoidan on vascular function, thrombosis prevention and general cardiac health.

One study conducted in France demonstrated a novel approach to increasing vascularisation (Purnama 2015). Fucoidan-modified hydrogel scaffolds designed to release a growth factor (VEGF) became intensely vascularised in a subcutaneous mouse model. Read More

University of Tasmania research program extended

Marinova is very pleased to announce the signing of a new agreement with the University of Tasmania (UTAS) to undertake extended studies in the area of gastric health. This new research agreement adds to a number of other projects Marinova is already undertaking in conjunction with the Faculty of Health at the University of Tasmania.

Under the supervision of Associate Professor Nuri Güven, the new investigations will extend the scope of earlier studies involving Maritech® fucoidan in the areas of stem cells, gut health and metabolic function. Read More

New technology to measure fucoidan uptake

Marinova is pleased to announce the recent publication of novel research into the development of unique fucoidan-sensing electrodes, which are capable of detecting fucoidan at extremely low concentrations. This is the first time that novel devices have been used to characterise fucoidan compounds in such a precise and effectual manner.

In a project led by Associate Professor Kelly Mowery of Eastern University, Philadelphia, researchers built polyanion and polycation sensitive electrodes for both direct and indirect detection of fucoidan. Read More

Marinova celebrates European market launch

Marinova is pleased to report on a very successful attendance at the recent in-cosmetics trade show held in Barcelona, Spain. The in-cosmetics exhibition is the world’s largest trade show for cosmetic ingredients. This trade show provided an effective forum for Marinova to launch its Maritech® Bright and Maritech® Reverse products into the European skincare market.

The European launch coincided with Maritech® Reverse being awarded a silver medal for in-cosmetic’s prestigious Green Ingredient Award. This award recognises a raw material or ingredient that has made a significant environmental or social difference in the area of sustainability. Read More

Zero waste target in sight

Marinova is very pleased to announce that it has been successful in securing a grant from the Australian Government Innovation and Investment Fund. The grant will be applied towards the acquisition of advanced evaporative technologies which will enable us to convert our liquid waste-streams into products for commercial horticultural applications.

Although the concentration and utilisation of these liquid by-products has been a priority for Marinova for some time, the lack of appropriate technologies has been a major impediment. With the recent advent of a new patented technology, it has now become feasible for us to produce a nutrient-rich extract from our waste streams. Read More