Description

κ-Carrageenan is a high-purity, sulfated polysaccharide extracted from specific red seaweeds, valued for its exceptional gelling, thickening, and stabilizing properties. This hydrocolloid is crucial for creating specific, firm, and brittle gel textures in aqueous systems, making it a key functional ingredient in advanced formulations. It is primarily sought by manufacturers in the food, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries for its reliable performance and clean-label appeal.

Application

• Food Industry: As a gelling agent in dairy desserts (e.g., flans, puddings), water-based jellies, confectionery, and processed meat products to improve texture and water retention.
• Pharmaceuticals: Used as a stabilizer and suspending agent in liquid formulations, and as a gelling matrix in controlled-release drug delivery systems and capsule production.
• Personal Care & Cosmetics: Functions as a thickener and stabilizer in toothpaste, creams, lotions, and gels to provide the desired viscosity and product consistency.
• Biotechnology & Microbiology: Serves as a gelling agent in culture media for the growth of microorganisms and plant tissues.
• Technical Applications: Employed in air freshener gels, pet food, and as a binder in water-based paints and adhesives.

Basic Information

Product Name	κ-Carrageenan
CAS No.	11114-20-8
Molecular Formula	(C12H18O19S2)n (Polymer)
Molecular Weight	200,000 - 800,000 g/mol (Polymer)
Synonyms	κ-Carrageenan; Carrageenan Gum; E407; Irish Moss Extract; Chondrus Extract; Carrageen; Carraghen; Carrageenin; Seaweed Gum
EINECS	234-350-2

Quality Control

Our κ-Carrageenan is produced and tested to meet stringent quality standards, including Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) and relevant pharmaceutical guidelines where applicable. Every batch undergoes comprehensive analysis for parameters such as gel strength, viscosity, sulfate content, and microbiological purity. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is provided to ensure traceability and compliance with your specific requirements.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area at a controlled room temperature (15-25°C). Due to its hygroscopic (moisture-sensitive) nature, the container must be kept sealed to prevent caking and degradation from atmospheric humidity.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	Off-white to tan powder
Identification (IR)	Conforms
Gel Strength (1.5% solution)	≥ 500 g/cm²
Viscosity (1.5% solution at 75°C)	5 - 50 cps
Loss on Drying	≤ 12.0 %
Sulfate Content (as SO4)	20 - 40 %
Acid Insoluble Matter	≤ 2.0 %
Total Ash	15 - 40 %
Heavy Metals (as Pb)	≤ 20 ppm
Total Plate Count	≤ 5,000 cfu/g
Yeast & Mold	≤ 300 cfu/g
E. coli	Negative
Salmonella	Negative

Note: Specifications can be tailored. Please contact us for the detailed technical data sheet of a specific grade.