Next-generation Nanocarriers from the Ocean: A Perspective on Fucoidan in Precision Medicine

Fucoidans are natural polysaccharides that are fucose-rich and sulfate-dense and are found in brown seaweed of marine origin. Fucoidan is rapidly becoming a key material for creating state-of-the-art nanocarriers. Whereas traditional synthetic nanocarriers are mostly used for their functionality rather than their biological properties, fucoidan-based nanocarriers are biodegradable and biocompatible and can even exhibit intrinsic bioactivities. Here, we demonstrate that the highly sulfated nature and adjustable molecular weight of fucoidan make it a strong candidate for selectively binding to targets (e.g., selectins, scavenger receptors, and growth factors) and for regulating immune responses (e.g., NF-κB and MAPK signalling pathways). Furthermore, we cover the various methods for fabricating self-assembled fucoidan nanoparticles (NPs), hybrid nanosystems, and ligand-functionalized surfaces. The fucoidan nanocarrier has been used to treat cancer, prevent cardiovascular thrombosis, and regulate inflammation through different mechanisms (targeting tumor vasculature, delivering anticoagulants, and reprogramming immune cells). Finally, we address the challenges of formulation scale-up, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and regulatory issues, as well as the need for sustainable fucoidan sourcing from marine sources. With continued interdisciplinary research and recent advances in marine biotechnology, fucoidan has bright prospects for the future of nanomedicine.