Efficient degradation of fucoidans depends on complementary bacterial guilds that cooperatively break backbone and side-chain sugars, revealing a conserved, globally relevant mechanism that shapes mar...

Fucoidans -- compounds found in the cell walls of brown seaweed -- could one day help treat diseases driven by oxidative stress, though the substances are far from the pharmacy shelf.

Nature, Published online: 16 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02873-yMarine algae produce sulfated carbohydrates called fucoidans that are chemically too complex for any bacteria to digest alone. Instead, marine bacteria split the task between them in a modular fashion: some strains degrade the molecular backbone, whereas others remove the side branches.

Efficient degradation of fucoidans depends on complementary bacterial guilds that cooperatively break backbone and side-chain sugars, revealing a conserved, globally relevant mechanism that shapes mar...

Efficient degradation of fucoidans depends on complementary bacterial guilds that cooperatively break backbone and side-chain sugars, revealing a conserved, globally relevant mechanism that shapes mar...

Efficient degradation of fucoidans depends on complementary bacterial guilds that cooperatively break backbone and side-chain sugars, revealing a conserved, globally relevant mechanism that shapes marine carbon cycling.

Efficient degradation of fucoidans depends on complementary bacterial guilds that cooperatively break backbone and side-chain sugars, revealing a conserved, globally relevant mechanism that shapes mar...

Chemicals and reagents Fucoidan from F. vesiculosus (Sigma-Aldrich, F8190, lot no. 0000485452) was used as the primary substrate throughout this study. Additional F. vesiculosus fucoidans were obtained from Marinova (FVF2021547) and Biosynth (YF57714). Fucoidans from other species were sourced from Fucus serratus (Biosynth, YF09360), Fucus evanescens (OceanBasis and extracted as described previously60), Cladosiphon okamuranus (Biosynth, YF146834), Durvillaea potatorum (Biosynth, YF157165), Ecklonia maxima (Biosynth, YF157166) and Laminaria hyperborea (TheFucoidanStore, LowEndo Fucoidan).

Efficient degradation of fucoidans depends on complementary bacterial guilds that cooperatively break backbone and side-chain sugars, revealing a conserved, globally relevant mechanism that shapes marine carbon cycling.

Efficient degradation of fucoidans depends on complementary bacterial guilds that cooperatively break backbone and side-chain sugars, revealing a conserved, globally relevant mechanism that shapes mar...

Nature, Published online: 26 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41586-026-10980-zEfficient degradation of fucoidans depends on complementary bacterial guilds that cooperatively break backbone and side-chain sugars, revealing a conserved, globally relevant mechanism that shapes marine carbon cycling.

Efficient degradation of fucoidans depends on complementary bacterial guilds that cooperatively break backbone and side-chain sugars, revealing a conserved, globally relevant mechanism that shapes marine carbon cycling.

Efficient degradation of fucoidans depends on complementary bacterial guilds that cooperatively break backbone and side-chain sugars, revealing a conserved, globally relevant mechanism that shapes mar...

Efficient degradation of fucoidans depends on complementary bacterial guilds that cooperatively break backbone and side-chain sugars, revealing a conserved, globally relevant mechanism that shapes mar...

Fucoidan from F. vesiculosus (Sigma-Aldrich, F8190, lot no. 0000485452) was used as the primary substrate throughout this study. Additional F. vesiculosus fucoidans were obtained from Marinova (FVF2021547) and Biosynth (YF57714). Fucoidans from other species were sourced from Fucus serratus (Biosynth, YF09360), Fucus evanescens (OceanBasis and extracted as described previously60), Cladosiphon okamuranus (Biosynth, YF146834), Durvillaea potatorum (Biosynth, YF157165), Ecklonia maxima (Biosynth, YF157166) and Laminaria hyperborea (TheFucoidanStore, LowEndo Fucoidan). For derivatization, 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone (PMP) was obtained from Sigma-Aldrich (M70800). Internal standards for LC–MS analysis included d-galactose-13C6 (Sigma-Aldrich, 605379), d-mannose-13C6 (Sigma-Aldrich, 592994) and PMP-[d5] (CAS 1228765-67-0), custom-synthesized by BOC Sciences (Shirley). LC–MS-grade solvents and reagents were acetonitrile (Honeywell), methanol (Honeywell), ethanol (Sigma-Aldrich), formic acid (Sigma-Aldrich) and ammonium formate (Merck). Ultrapure water was produced using a Q-POD system (Merck). Unless otherwise stated, all other chemicals were of analytical grade and sourced from Sigma-Aldrich. Bacterial growth media Throughout this study, three distinct media detailed in Supplementary Table 1 were used for (1) enrichment of bacteria, (2) isolation of bacteria on solid medium and (3) routine cultivation of bacterial isolates in MBL medium52. All media mimicked the ionic composition of coastal seawater and contained 340 mM NaCl, 15 mM MgCl2, 6.75 mM KCl and 1 mM CaCl2...

Atopic dermatitis is a multifactorial pathology that includes perturbations of gene expression and increased adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus. Fucoidans are seaweed-derived sulfated fucose-rich polysaccharides that are known to be anti-inflammatory and may inhibit adhesion of pathogens. Fucoidan was assessed for effects on gene expression of an in vitro 3D model of atopic dermatitis. It was also assessed for inhibitory effects on the adhesion of bacteria onto 3D reconstructed skin. Fucoidan significantly altered gene expression in the atopic dermatitis model, and there was a trend to reduce periostin levels. Fucoidan significantly inhibited the adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus and Cutibacterium acnes but did not affect the adhesion of Staphylococcus epidermidis. Fucoidan may be a useful topical agent to assist in the management of atopic dermatitis.

Fucoidans, also known as fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharides (FCSPs), are abundant and structurally complex glycans found in the cell wall of brown algae. These compounds have been shown to ...

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Fucoidans are natural compounds that exhibit bioactivity against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of central vision loss in industrialized nations.

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Rejuvenate from within with ZinoGene+ Kit 🌿—a breakthrough in cellular nutrition. Powered by fucoidans from seaweed, polyphenols, vitamin C, and zinc, it naturally supports DNA synthesis and cell renewal to slow visible signs of aging. Designed for daily vitality and long-term cellular health, this vegan, halal, and kosher-certified supplement helps your body regenerate, refresh, and thrive — the smart way to age beautifully. ✨