Different extraction methods bring about distinct physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities of Sargassum fusiforme fucoidans

Abstract Fucoidan is a complex sulfated polysaccharide and an active component found in the cell wall of brown seaweeds. In the present study, fucoidans were obtained from Sargassum fusiforme using different extraction methods, including hot water (prepared fucoidan was named as WSFF), dilute hydrochloric acid (ASFF), and calcium chloride solution (CSFF). The assessments were performed on S. fusiforme fucoidans based on their chemical composition, molecular conformations, and in vitro antioxidant activities. ASFF showed the maximum extraction yield (11.24%), whereas CSFF exhibited the minimum yield (3.94%). The monosaccharide composition of WSFF, ASFF, and CSFF was similar, but the molar ratio of monosaccharide was quite different. Moreover, their molecular weight, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum, surface morphology, uronic acid content and degree of sulfation were distinct. The Congo red test and Circular dichroism spectroscopy analysis displayed some differences in solution conformation of these samples. Furthermore, WSFF, ASFF, and CSFF showed distinct in vitro antioxidant activities evaluated by DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays. The present study provides scientific evidence on the influences of extraction methods on the physicochemical characteristics, conformation behaviors and antioxidant activities of S. fusiforme fucoidans.