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Published on: December 2, 2022
Screening of complex fucoidans from four brown algae species as procoagulant agents
Zhenqing Zhang1, Susanne Till2, Sabine Knappe2
1Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Round Lake, IL, USA; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
Abstract:
Fucoidans are complex sulfated polysaccharides extracted from brown algae. Depending on the concentration, they have been shown to stimulate and inhibit blood coagulation in vitro. Promotion of coagulation is mediated by blocking tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI). We screened fucoidan extracts from four brown algae species in vitro with respect to their potential to improve coagulation in bleeding disorders. The fucoidans' pro- and anticoagulant activities were assessed by global hemostatic and standard clotting assays. Results showed that fucoidans improved coagulation parameters. Some fucoidans also activated the contact pathway of coagulation, an undesired property reported for sulfated glycosaminoglycans. Chemical evaluation of fucoidans' complex and variable structure included molecular weight (Mw), polydispersity (polyD), structural heterogeneity, and organic and inorganic impurities. Herewith, we describe a screening strategy that facilitates the identification of crude fucoidan extracts with desired biological and structural properties for improvement of compromised coagulation like in hemophilia.
Insights
Fucoidan extracts from brown algae show potential for improving blood coagulation in bleeding disorders by enhancing clotting parameters. This study identifies specific fucoidans with desirable properties for treating conditions like hemophilia.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biotechnology
- Biochemistry
- Hematology
Background:
- Fucoidans, sulfated polysaccharides from brown algae, exhibit complex pro- and anticoagulant activities in vitro.
- Their procoagulant effect is linked to the inhibition of tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI).
- Understanding fucoidan structure-activity relationships is crucial for therapeutic applications in bleeding disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen fucoidan extracts from four brown algae species for their potential to improve coagulation in bleeding disorders.
- To assess the pro- and anticoagulant activities and structural properties of selected fucoidan extracts.
- To develop a screening strategy for identifying fucoidans suitable for treating compromised coagulation.
Main Methods:
- In vitro screening of fucoidan extracts from four brown algae species.
- Assessment of pro- and anticoagulant activities using global hemostatic and standard clotting assays.
- Chemical evaluation including molecular weight, polydispersity, structural heterogeneity, and impurity analysis.
Main Results:
- Fucoidan extracts demonstrated an improvement in coagulation parameters.
- Some fucoidans activated the contact pathway of coagulation, a potentially undesirable effect.
- Variability in fucoidan structure (Mw, polydispersity, heterogeneity) was observed and characterized.
Conclusions:
- Specific fucoidan extracts possess properties beneficial for improving compromised coagulation.
- A screening strategy can identify fucoidans with desired biological and structural characteristics for treating bleeding disorders like hemophilia.
- Further research is needed to optimize fucoidan selection and mitigate potential adverse effects like contact pathway activation.
