Structure characterization, antioxidant and immunoregulatory properties of a novel fucoidan from the sea cucumber Stichopus chloronotus

The detailed chemical structure and chain conformation of a novel fucoidan from the sea cucumber Stichopus chloronotus (Fuc-Sc) were investigated by HPLC, IR, NMR spectroscopy and mull-angle light scattering. It mainly consisted of c-fucose and sulfate esters at mole ratio of 1.0:1.3 and contained a -> 3)-alpha-L-fucose-2S-(1 -> linear backbone. Besides, the chain conformation parameters alpha(eta) (0.658 +/- 0.001) and alpha(h) (0.612 +/- 0.002) indicated that Fuc-Sc exhibited a random coil conformation in PBS. The worm-like cylinder model parameters M-L (526 g/mol.nm) and q (6.9 nm) confirmed that Fuc-Sc adopted a flexible chain. Fuc-Sc possessed negative charges and good thermal stability. Moreover, Fuc-Sc showed significant inhibition of lipid peroxidation and obvious activation effects on RAW 264.7 cells by promoting their proliferation and the production of NO and TNF-alpha. The present study facilitated further understanding of the structure-activity relationship of Fuc-Sc and its application in food and pharmacy industries.