Anti‐fine Dust Effect of Fucoidan Extracted from Ecklonia maxima Laves in Macrophages via Inhibiting Inflammatory Signaling Pathways

Abstract

Brown seaweeds contain fucoidan, which has numerous biological activities. Here, the anti‐fine‐dust activity of fucoidan extracted from Ecklonia maxima, an abundant brown seaweed from South Africa, was explored. Fourier transmittance infrared spectroscopy, high‐performance anion‐exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection analysis of the monosaccharide content, and nuclear magnetic resonance were used for the structural characterization of the polysaccharides. The toll‐like receptor (TLR)‐mediated nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways were evaluated. The results revealed that E. maxima purified leaf fucoidan fraction 7 (EMLF7), which contained the highest sulfate content, showed the best anti‐inflammatory activity by attenuating the TLR-mediated NF‐κB/MAPK protein expressions in the particulate matter‐stimulated cells. This was solidified by the successful reduction of Prostaglandin E2, NO, and pro‐inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1β. The current findings confirm the anti‐inflammatory activity of EMLF7, as well as the potential use of E. maxima as a low‐cost fucoidan source due to its abundance. This suggests its further application as a functional ingredient in consumer products.