The Application of Fucoxanthin from Sargassum polycystum as Anti-acne Nanogel

Sargassum polycystum is a species of brown algae that contains carotenoid compounds with the main content being fucoxanthin. Fucoxanthin is an orange pigment found in Sargassum polycystum. The active fraction of fucoxanthin has antibacterial activity at contents of 500 and 1000 μg/disk against Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria are gram-positive bacteria that can cause acne vulgaris. The purpose of this study was to determine the appropriate concentrations of fucoxanthin required to prevent Staphylococcus aureus growth, and its formulation into nanogel preparations with active antibacterial properties. The impact of different fucoxanthin concentrations in nanogel preparations on the inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus growth was also evaluated. In this study, the maceration method was used to extract fucoxanthin from fresh Sargassum polycystum. This process was then followed by separation with a column chromatography method, purity testing, as well as using UV-Vis spectrophotometry for identification. Identification of fucoxanthin isolates was carried out using TLC, UV-Vis spectrophotometer, and FTIR spectrophotometer. The formulation was then developed into a nanogel, which underwent testing for transmittance, organoleptic properties, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, spreadability, adhesiveness, and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Fucoxanthin had antibacterial activity at varying concentration, namely 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3%, both in its raw form and in the nanogel preparations. Furthermore, there were significant differences (p<0.05) in the growth inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus and in the nanogel physical characteristics, including pH, viscosity, spreadability, and adhesiveness, at different fucoxanthin concentration. Fucoxanthin nanogel showed a good potential to be utilized as an anti-acne product.