Researchers at the Murmansk Marine Biology Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences have unveiled a rapid, eco-friendly approach to extracting fluorotannins, known as bladder fucus, from Arctic brown algae. This advancement was shared with socialbites.ca by the Russian Ministry of Education and Science.
Fluorotannins are notable metabolites with exceptional antioxidant properties, offering potential as natural substitutes for synthetic antioxidants in foods, cosmetics, and medicines. According to Ekaterina Obluchinskaya, head of the biochemistry and hydrobiont technology group and lead researcher at the Murmansk institute, fluorotannins stand out as some of the strongest natural antioxidants available. This positions them as promising ingredients for health-supporting products and preserved freshness in consumer goods.
Antioxidants play a critical role in managing diseases driven by free radicals and oxidative stress, which can harm cellular function. By bolstering the body’s antioxidant defenses, fluorotannins may help mitigate oxidative damage and support overall wellness. Collaborative studies with institutions in Japan and South Korea have suggested that fluorotannins could also offer a range of benefits, including antidiabetic, anticancer, antibacterial, radioprotective, and anti-HIV properties, underscoring their broad therapeutic potential.
A central step in obtaining fluorotannin extracts lies in selecting appropriate solvents, extraction methods, and optimal processing conditions. Traditional solvent choices frequently include methanol, acetone, ethanol, and ethyl acetate, but these substances pose toxicity concerns. This has driven researchers to seek safer, more sustainable alternatives.
In response, scientists have experimented with a green solvent system based on lactic acid deep eutectic solvents (NADES). This environmentally friendly approach proved not only viable but also highly effective, with the antioxidant activity of NADES-derived extracts matching that of conventional alcohol-based extracts.
Moreover, the use of alcoholic extracts for treating conditions associated with oxidative stress faces practical limitations in certain activities that demand high alertness and safety, such as driving. In contrast, the fucus extract developed by the Murmansk team demonstrates high efficacy without such restrictions, expanding its potential applications across health, industrial, and consumer uses.
The resulting fluorotannin-rich extract exhibits robust antioxidant properties that may support treatment strategies for diseases rooted in oxidative stress. Beyond health care, these extracts hold promise for preserving the shelf life of food products and enhancing cosmetic formulations by providing natural stabilization against oxidative spoilage.