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C1013

Sigma-Aldrich

Carrageenan

suitable for gel preparation

Synonym(s):

Vegetable gelatin

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About This Item

CAS Number:
EC Number:
MDL number:
UNSPSC Code:
12352201
NACRES:
NA.25

biological source

algae (red)

description

Predominantly κ and lesser amounts of λ carrageenan

form

powder

color

white to light brown

useful pH range

7.5-10.5 (1.5% in water)

cation traces

Ca: <3.5%
K: <11%
Na: <2.0%

suitability

suitable for gel preparation

storage temp.

room temp

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General description

Carrageenans are mucopolysaccharides from the cell walls of the red algae. They are anionic linear polymers composed of 1,3α-1,4β-galactans having one (κ-), two (ι-) or three (λ-) sulfates per disaccharide unit. In ionic solutions, κ- and ι-carrageenans self-associate into helical structures that form rigid or flexible gels, respectively. λ-carrageenans do not form helices and are non-gelling. Carrageenans are used commercially as thickeners and stabilizing agents.

Application

Carrageenans are used to suppress immune response in vivo and in vitro via mechanisms believed to involve selective cytopathic effect on macrophages. As ι-, κ-, and λ-carrageenans have varying degress of sulfation, they may be studied comparatively for differences in protective, antiviral, and immunosuppression activities.
Carrageenans are used to suppress immune response in vivo and in vitro via mechanisms believed to involve selective cytopathic effect on macrophages. As ι-, κ-, and λ- carrageenans have varying degrees of sulfation, they may be studied comparatively for differences in protective, antiviral, and immunosuppression activities. Carrageenan may be used in the development of biomaterials such as bone graft substitutes; entrapping vessels such as biobeads and encapsulation vehicles for drug delivery. Carrageenan be used to develop hydrogels.

Preparation Note

Blended from various seaweeds to produce rigid gels.

Other Notes

To gain a comprehensive understanding of our extensive range of Polysaccharides for your research, we encourage you to visit our Carbohydrates Category page.

Storage Class Code

11 - Combustible Solids

WGK

WGK 3

Flash Point(F)

Not applicable

Flash Point(C)

Not applicable

Personal Protective Equipment

dust mask type N95 (US), Eyeshields, Gloves

Certificates of Analysis (COA)

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José A Fernández-Romero et al.
Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy, 56(1), 358-368 (2011-11-09)
Topical microbicides that block the sexual transmission of HIV and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) are desperately needed to reduce the incidence of HIV infections worldwide. Previously we completed phase 3 testing of the carrageenan-based gel Carraguard. Although the trial
A W Thomson
Biomedicine / [publiee pour l'A.A.I.C.I.G.], 28(3), 148-152 (1978-05-01)
Since the biological effects of carrageenan were reviewed in 1972 by Di Rosa it has become clear from a large number of reports that this algal polysaccharide markedly influences immune responses. Profound suppression of immunity evidenced by impaired antibody production
Immunopharmacology of the macrophage-toxic agent carrageenan.
A W Thomson et al.
International journal of immunopharmacology, 1(4), 247-261 (1979-01-01)
M L Weiner
Agents and actions, 32(1-2), 46-51 (1991-01-01)
Food-grade carrageenan is a safe natural product prepared from seaweed. Its addition to food imparts many desirable characteristics which have allowed it to be used continuously for centuries. The long safe history of this natural food additive is confirmed by
A W Thomson et al.
Agents and actions, 11(3), 265-273 (1981-05-01)
Carrageenans (kappa, lambda and iota) are sulphated polysaccharides isolated from marine algae that can markedly suppress immune responses both in vivo and in vitro. Impairment of complement activity and humoral responses to T-dependent antigens, depression of cell-mediated immunity, prolongation of

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