Unlocking Superior Carrageenan Solutions
Carrageenan is extracted from red algae, a renewable natural resource. Seaweed cultivation and harvesting has a low environmental impact and is sustainable. Carrageenan can be used in a variety of areas such as food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial applications, with multifunctional properties such as thickening, gelling, stabilizing, and emulsifying. CD BioGlyco provides a comprehensive array of carrageenan production services, drawing upon our extensive expertise in the Production of Marine Carbohydrates accumulated over many years. The carrageenan production services we provide include but are not limited to the following:
Carrageenan is classified into various types according to its structure and chemical properties. Among them, κ-carrageenan forms hard and brittle gels, which are suitable for dairy and meat products. ι-carrageenan forms soft and elastic gels, which are commonly used in jellies and puddings. λ-carrageenan does not form gels but has a significant thickening effect, which is commonly used in fluid foods. Other types such as μ, ѵ, θ, ξ, α, β, γ, ω, and Ψ carrageenans also have specific applications in industry, each with different gel-forming and thickening properties for a diverse range of food and industrial products. We offer customized carrageenan production services according to your needs.
Extraction
We employ microwave-assisted hot water extraction to obtain carrageenan in a more environmentally friendly and efficient manner. The extraction and precipitation processes are chemical-free, resulting in crude carrageenan with suitable rheological properties. Under our extraction conditions, the extracted carrageenan can automatically form a gel without the need to add chemical reagents. Additionally, the solid residue from the extraction is protein-rich and can be further utilized.
Purification
Our purification methods for carrageenan mainly include precipitation, ion exchange, and ultrafiltration. For example, we precipitate carrageenan by adding 95% ethanol, then separate the precipitate by vacuum filtration wash the solid residue with ethanol, and finally dry the sample in an oven. This method avoids the use of alkali treatment to preserve the natural rheological properties of the extracted biopolymer.
Characterization
We determine the sulfate content of carrageenan by ion chromatography (IC) and the mineral and heavy metal content of carrageenan by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Atomic emission spectrometry (AES) is used to determine the sodium and potassium content of carrageenan. Meanwhile, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is used to observe the morphology and structure of the solid phase obtained after the extraction of carrageenan raw materials. Finally, we analyze the oligosaccharide content in carrageenan by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Publication
Technology: HPLC, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and ICP-MS
Journal: Polymers
IF: 4.967
Published: 2022
Results: This article focuses on the green extraction of carrageenan from Mastocarpus stellatus. The researchers used a new green extraction method which used water and enzymes as solvents and was assisted by ultrasound. The results of the study showed that this green extraction method can efficiently extract high-quality carrageenan. In addition, the researchers optimized the parameters of the extraction process and evaluated the extraction yield and the physicochemical properties of carrageenan. The results suggest that this green extraction method is a viable alternative to traditional chemical methods with the advantages of environmental friendliness and sustainability.
Fig.1 FT-IR of the carrageenans extracted under varying temperatures through pressurized hot water extraction. (Flórez-Fernández, et al., 2022)
Applications
- In the pharmaceutical field, carrageenan is used as a coating material for capsules, as a component of controlled release systems for drugs, and as a stabilizer for eye drops and ointments.
- In the cosmetic field, carrageenan is commonly used as a stabilizer and thickener for face masks, shampoos, conditioners, and cosmetics.
- Carrageenan is used in the pulp and paper industry, oil extraction, and water treatment.
Advantages
- Our experts optimize the operating conditions to achieve high carrageenan yields from different types of algae during extraction.
- By adjusting the operating conditions, we produce the mixed carrageenan with attractive rheological properties.
- Our testing methods, including HPLC and MS, are utilized to verify that the purity and composition of the product adhere to established criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the gelatinization conditions of carrageenan?
The gelation conditions of carrageenan depend on its type, for example:
- κ-type carrageenan: requires the presence of potassium ions to form a firm gel.
- ι-type carrageenan: requires the presence of calcium ions to form a soft gel.
- λ-type carrageenan: usually does not gel, but increases the viscosity of the solution on cooling.
How does carrageenan perform in low-pH environments?
Carrageenan is less stable in low pH environments and may degrade and lose its thickening and gelling ability. Therefore, special care needs to be taken when using it in acidic foods.
Having extensive experience spanning decades and a continuously growing range of high-quality products, CD BioGlyco is dedicated to offering comprehensive carrageenan production services to meet the needs of customers around the globe. Please feel free to contact us if you need more information.
References
- Flórez-Fernández, N.; et al. Green extraction of carrageenans from Mastocarpus stellatus. Polymers. 2022, 14(3): 554.
- From Wikimedia: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7a/Gracilaria2.JPG.
