Physicochemical Characteristics and Quality of Carrageenan from Eucheuma cottonii Seaweed Origin Waters of West Seram District

Lewerissa, Sherly; Rieuwpassa, Fredrik; Polnaya, Febby; Sormin, Raja B. D.

doi:10.21608/ejabf.2025.376758.5716

Physicochemical Characteristics and Quality of Carrageenan from Eucheuma cottonii Seaweed Origin Waters of West Seram District

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of Fisheries Product Technology, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Pattimura University, Maluku, Indonesia

² Department of Fish Processing Technology, Universitas Pattimura

³ Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Pattimura University, Maluku, Indonesia

10.21608/ejabf.2025.376758.5716

Abstract

Eucheuma cottonii is a species of red seaweed known for its high carrageenan content. Carrageenan plays a vital role as a stabilizer, thickener, gelling agent, emulsifier, protective colloid, coagulant, and crystallization inhibitor. These functional properties make it widely used in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, textiles, paints, and toothpaste. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics and quality of carrageenan extracted from Eucheuma cottonii collected from two coastal locations in West Seram District: Nuruwe and Wael. Carrageenan extraction was conducted using a 2% KOH solution followed by precipitation with isopropyl alcohol (IPA). The results showed that carrageenan extracted from E. cottonii from Nuruwe demonstrated better physicochemical properties, with a yield of 22.53%, moisture content of 11.80%, ash content of 12.64%, viscosity of 44.37 cps, gel strength of 322.03 g/cm², and sulfate content of 41.51%. FTIR spectral analysis revealed characteristic peaks corresponding to sulfate groups at 1259.52 cm⁻¹, glycosidic bonds at 1045.42 cm⁻¹, 3,6-anhydro-D-galactose at 931.62 cm⁻¹, D-galactose-4-sulfate at 846.68 cm⁻¹, and hydroxyl (OH) groups at 3255.84 cm⁻¹. In comparison, carrageenan from Wael yielded 15.24%, with a moisture content of 14.72%, ash content of 14.18%, viscosity of 34.49 cps, gel strength of 254.29 g/cm², and sulfate content of 30.41%. FTIR analysis indicated similar functional groups, with sulfate groups at 1269.45 cm⁻¹, glycosidic bonds at 1045.42 cm⁻¹, 3,6-anhydro-D-galactose at 931.62 cm⁻¹, D-galactose-4-sulfate at 848.68 cm⁻¹, and OH groups at 3161.33 cm⁻¹. These findings indicate that the quality of carrageenan from Nuruwe is superior in terms of yield, gel strength, and sulfate content, suggesting its greater potential for industrial applications.

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