Production
Carrageenans: gelling, thickening and stabilizing agents

The first carrageenan production was associated with the North Atlantic species Chandrus Crispus on the coasts of Europe and the USA. Gradually, extraction units moved to seaweed-growing areas in Southeast Asia and Chile.

Broadly speaking, there are two manufacturing technologies. Both are preceded by meticulous selection and washing of the algae, followed by the most decisive stage in the modification process: alkaline treatment.

The aim of this stage of the production process is to maximize the rheological capacity of the carrageenan and the extraction yield. This involves forcing the conversion of precursor carrageenans into the modified commercial form, through the formation of an anhydrous 3,6-bridge in the β-1,4-bonded unit (figure 5...