New Possibilities of Using Zosteran Pectin from the Marine Plant Zostera marina (L.)

Zosteran pectin isolated from the perennial marine plant Zostera marina (L.) has a complex molecular structure and a wide range of biological activity. Aim Study: This study aims to identify new properties (adhesive, cryoprotective) of zosteran pectin. Materials and Methods: The adhesive properties of zosteran were investigated by evaluating the microorganism adhesiveness index and the erythrocyte participation rate. To assess the cryoprotective properties of zosteran, the cryoscopic method and various methods for assessing the viability of leukocytes (cryoresistance, cell membrane integrity, and phagocytosis) were used. Results: Zosteran pectin in each assay consistently revealed more adhesive and cryoprotective properties compared to other substances. The results revealed that zosteran at a concentration of 0.3% increase the percentage of red blood cells with lactobacilli attached to their surface. The addition of zosteran to various cryoprotectants changed the osmolarity and freezing point of only the mixture of pectin with DMSO. Zosteran/DMSO cryosolution significantly better retained the viability of leukocytes after exposure to negative temperatures (-80°C), compared with a solution containing only DMSO. Conclusion: Our data reveal new properties of zosteran, due to which pectin changes the conditions of bacterial adhesive activity. This can be used to enhance the perception of microorganisms by intestinal cells in representatives of normal microflora or to reduce it in pathogens of infectious diseases. The obtained cryoprotective effect of the solution with zosteran can be used for further research on the preservation of biological objects (spermatozoa, platelets, etc.) at low temperatures.