A Comparative Study on the Physiochemical Properties of Semi-Refined Carrageenan from Low Industrial Grade Seaweed and High-Grade Seaweed of Kappaphycus Alvarezii

Abstract

A study on the physiochemical properties of semi-refined carrageenan (SRC) derived from low industrial grade seaweed (LIGS) were conducted and compared to semi-refined carrageenan from high-grade seaweed (HGS) of Kappaphycus Alvarezii and others researches. The morphology of SRC (LIGS and HGS) was investigated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and physiochemical properties of SRC through Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis, particle size analyser, proximate composition (moisture, ash, acid insoluble ash, acid insoluble matter), sulphate and mineral content by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), colour, pH, viscosity and gel strength. SRC-HGS showed smaller particle size than SRC-LIGS from SEM and particle size analysis. SRC-LIGS exhibited lowest lightest, but highest yellowness, with L∗ and b∗ values reported 57.77 and 15.9, respectively. The gel strength of SRC-LIGS was lower than SRC-HGS. The SRC-LIGS show a comparable thermal properties, sulphur and mineral content, ash, acid insoluble ash and moisture content from SRC-HGS, which suggest that these SRC-LIGS have good potential as renewable resources materials.