Sam Karpiniec1, Ah Young Park1*, Maureen Bourtembourg2, Aline Chrétien2, Roland Hubaux2, Céline Lancelot2, Michel Salmon2 and J. Helen Fitton1
1Marinova Pty Ltd., 249 Kennedy Drive, Cambridge TAS 7170, Australia, 2StratiCELL, Crealys Science Park, rue Jean Sonet 10, B-5032 Isnes, Belgium
Correspondence: Ah Young Park, ahyoung.park@marinova.com.au; helen.fitton@marinova.com.au
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a multifactorial debilitating skin condition that is associated with the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, and alterations in the expression of genes involved in barrier function, itch and inflammation. Fucoidans are brown seaweed-derived sulfated fucose-rich polysaccharides that are known to be anti-inflammatory and may inhibit the adhesion of pathogens. Fucoidan was assessed for effects on gene expression of an in vitro 3D model of atopic dermatitis as well as inhibition of 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.