Description

.Alpha.-Carrageenan is a high-purity, sulfated polysaccharide derived from specific red seaweeds, valued for its unique gelling, thickening, and stabilizing properties. This hydrocolloid is essential for creating specific, soft-textured gels and for modifying the rheological profile of aqueous systems. It is a critical functional ingredient for manufacturers in the food, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries seeking precise texture control and product stability.

Application

• Food Industry: Used as a gelling agent, thickener, and stabilizer in dairy products (e.g., flans, puddings, cream), processed meats, water-based desserts, and sauces to provide a soft, elastic texture.
• Pharmaceuticals: Employed as a binder and disintegrant in tablet formulations, and as a gelling agent in controlled-release drug delivery systems and topical preparations.
• Personal Care & Cosmetics: Functions as a thickener, stabilizer, and film-forming agent in toothpastes, creams, lotions, and gels to enhance texture and stability.
• Biotechnology & Microbiology: Serves as a gelling agent in culture media for the growth of microorganisms and plant tissues.
• Technical Applications: Used in air freshener gels, water-based adhesives, and other industrial products requiring water-based gelling.

Basic Information

Product Name	.Alpha.-Carrageenan
CAS No.	104781-83-1
Molecular Formula	(C12H18O9S)n
Molecular Weight	Variable polymer
Synonyms	α-Carrageenan; Alpha Carrageenan; Carrageenan, α-; E 407a; Seaweed Gum (alpha fraction); Carrageenan Gum; Irish Moss Extract (alpha type); Poligeenan (alpha form)
EINECS	Contact for details

Quality Control

Our .Alpha.-Carrageenan is produced and tested to meet stringent quality standards suitable for food and pharmaceutical applications. We adhere to Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) guidelines and can supply grades compliant with GMP and ISO 9001 quality management systems. Every batch is supported by a comprehensive Certificate of Analysis (COA) detailing purity, microbiological limits, and key functional parameters, available upon request.

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). This product is hygroscopic (moisture-sensitive); the container must be kept tightly sealed after opening to prevent caking and degradation due to moisture absorption.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	Off-white to tan powder
Identification (IR)	Conforms
Assay (as Carrageenan)	Min. 90%
Viscosity (1.5% solution)	Contact for details
Loss on Drying	≤ 12.0%
Sulfate Content	Contact for details
Acid Insoluble Matter	≤ 2.0%
Total Ash	15 - 40%
Heavy Metals (as Pb)	≤ 20 ppm
Microbiological Total Plate Count	≤ 5,000 cfu/g
Yeast & Molds	≤ 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.