Bound to one another by a single strip of umber ribbon, three pairs of inscribed Atlantic scallop shell-bound pressed seaweed albums rest in the collection of the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Algae, also named ‘seaweed’, ‘sea moss,’ or the romantic if scientifically inaccurate ‘ocean flowers,’ in the nineteenth-century came to be understood as simultaneously ancient, ubiquitous, divine, and curious. It became a fascinating material for early naturalists to collect and for Victorian coastal visitors to lovingly dry and press into delicate albums. As environmental anxieties over increased industrialization, resource exhaustion, and climatic instability in the Victorian period surface in coastal New England, this small, handheld set of three scallop-bound seaweed albums represent a single group’s position within these webs of theoretical discourse. I argue that ecological practices of algae collection formed spaces where gender boundaries could be both enforced or transgressed, where picturesque coastal tourist activity collided with natural history exploration, and where the boundaries between romantic, deified Nature and middle-class white leisure activity meet an enlightened, colonial taxonomy. As a souvenir of personal sentiment, though, this scallop album trio and its inscriptions reflect the lived reality of the three named women inscribed on its pages: Genie M. Lovell, Mrs. T.R. Green, and M.R. Hinckley. Therefore, I argue that within these layered relations, this portable album of natural illustrations exposes the intimate, affective labor through which oceanic imperialism was naturalized, embedding global regimes of classification within personal memories of a seaside New Bedford in transition.

Thickened beverages are a key element of dysphagia management, and their rheological properties determine how successfully they are swallowed. This study investigated the shear and extensional rheological behaviors of thickened beverages prepared with a broad range of hydrocolloids-modified starch (STA), xanthan gum (XAN), konjac gum (KJC), tara gum (TG), sodium alginate (SA), iota carrageenan (IC), sodium caseinate (SC), high methoxyl pectin (HMP), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), and methylcellulose (MC). Each fluid was prepared to a consistent apparent shear viscosity at a shear rate of 30s-1. Shear thinning behavior varied across hydrocolloids, with XAN, TG, and KJC displaying pronounced shear thinning compared with SC and HMP. In extensional rheology measurements, capillary breakup times of HPMC, CMC, and MC were much higher than other tested hydrocolloids, with STA displaying the lowest breakup time. Extensional viscosity extracted between Hencky strains of 5.0-7.5 confirmed this trend as HMPC, CMC, and MC again possessed the highest extensional viscosity, while STA possessed the lowest. Comparison of shear thinning index with extensional viscosity revealed no relationship between the two across the hydrocolloids compared. These results suggest that shear and extensional rheology measure distinct properties of thickened fluids and suggest that optimization of these properties can improve the performance of thickened fluids for individuals with dysphagia.

Do softgel manufacturing or gastric conditions break down carrageenan into poligeenan?

Seaweed are primary producers and potential vectors of microplastics (MPs) contamination, yet robust extraction methods that digest complex algal matrices while preserving polymer integrity remain limited. A sequential enzymatic-oxidative digestion was optimized for three seaweeds (Fucus vesiculosus, Chondrus crispus and Ulva lactuca). The optimized process involved the initial addition of cellulase (1% w/v, 24 h, 50 °C) followed by H₂O₂ (30% v/v, 48-72 h, 65 °C). Across nine 0.5 g dry-weight sub-replicates (3 per seaweed), 30 MPs were found (6.7 MPs/g⁻¹). The integrity of polymers was assessed for 12 MPs polymers, with acceptable performance being defined as ≥ 90% recovery and spectroscopic (through FTIR analysis) identifiability. Eight polymers met this threshold (90-101%). Four polymers were adversely affected with the long 72 H₂O₂ incubation, namely: cellulose-acetate (53% recovery), polyamide (61%), acrylic (3%) and rayon (2%). Although polymers remained identifiable, sequential digestion produced mass loss and visible changes (e.g. polyamide opacity, cellulose-acetate brittleness), which may increase fragmentation and miss-identification. Therefore, the protocol is suitable for most common MPs, but not for rayon and acrylic, and should be applied cautiously where cellulose-acetate or polyamide are expected.

Effects of composite cross-linked enzyme plus polysaccharide treatment on the textural and flavor quality of high-moisture extruded plant-based meat analogues.

Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) are photoprotective compounds primarily produced by marine organisms, especially red algae. Chemically, MAAs and their precursors are low-molecular-weight natural products that absorb ultraviolet radiation in the range of 270-360nm without generating free radicals. Owing to these properties, MAAs have attracted considerable interest for potential pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications as natural sunscreen agents. In this study, the first hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-ultra-performance liquid chromatography (HILIC-UPLC) method, coupled with both diode array detector (DAD) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), was developed for the determination of 11 MAAs and 2 MAA precursors in various algal species. As column, a YMC-Triart Diol-HILIC (particle size: 1.9µm) was used, and the separation of the MAAs realized in under 5min. The validation of the method was carried out following International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines, demonstrating linearity, selectivity, precision, and accuracy. The analysis of extracts prepared from well-known species, such as Porphyra sp. and Chondrus crispus, confirmed practical applicability. Demonstrating feasibility of MS/MS-based quantification of co-eluting compounds, the method represents an appealing alternative that surpasses established procedures not only in terms of analysis time but also by providing a substantially increased informative value.

Blueberry anthocyanins (BAs) exhibit strong antioxidant and lipid-regulating activities; however, their chemical instability and low oral bioavailability limit their practical application. In this study, two plant-based bilayer nanocarriers were developed using soybean lecithin as the lipid core and gum arabic (GA) or carrageenan (CGN) as the shell polysaccharide. The optimized systems achieved encapsulation efficiencies of 79.7% and 81.9%, respectively. Structural analyses showed that anthocyanins were stably incorporated into the carriers through multiple non-covalent interactions and transformed from a crystalline to an amorphous state. The two shell polysaccharides exhibited distinct conformation-dependent protective behaviors: GA provided better thermal protection, whereas CGN showed superior resistance to light, metal ions, ascorbic acid, and simulated intestinal digestion. After INFOGEST digestion, anthocyanin retention in the intestinal phase was 47% and 51% for the GA- and CGN-coated systems, respectively, and antioxidant activity was better preserved than in the free anthocyanin group. In an oleic-acid-induced HepG2 lipid accumulation model, the CGN carrier showed good biocompatibility and significantly enhanced the lipid-lowering effect of anthocyanins, with the most pronounced reduction in intracellular triglycerides. These results indicate that the CGN carrier has considerable potential for maintaining anthocyanin stability, modulating digestive behavior, and enhancing biological efficacy, and provide a reference for the design of plant-based delivery systems for bioactive ingredients.

A quantitative NMR assay was utilized to identify methylglyoxal-scavenging natural products from Rhodophytes, Chondrus crispus and Gracilaria vermiculophylla. This revealed the activity of guanylurea-containing amino acid derivatives, gongrine and gigartinine. The molecules share structural features with the frontline blood glucose-lowering drug and plant natural product derivative, metformin, and scavenge methylglyoxal via the same mechanism, resulting in an imidazole-containing Advanced Glycation Endproduct or AGE. The protective effect of the molecules reported here was evaluated in a cell-based model for reactive aldehyde stress using methylglyoxal exposure to reduce cell viability. Gongrine, gigartinine, and metformin all preserve cell viability in HepG2 following methylglyoxal exposure. This is the first report of methylglyoxal scavenging and cell viability protection of these macroalgae-derived guanylurea-containing natural products, which can be found in high abundance in commonly consumed and industrially produced macroalgae species. The compounds presented here, along with their algal sources, offer a unique opportunity to produce guanylureas with therapeutic potential through sustainable production methods from easily cultivated algal sources.

This study investigated the association between carrageenan (CGN) in protein supplement beverages and C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of systemic inflammation, in a nationally-representative survey of US adults. The analysis included 922 adults who reported use of protein supplement beverages and had CRP measurements in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2010, 2015-2023). In the primary analysis, users of liquid protein beverages (proxy for CGN exposure) were compared with users of beverages prepared with powders (proxy for unexposed). A secondary analysis compared participants using protein beverages with and without CGN (n = 622). Multivariable linear regression evaluated associations between CGN and log-transformed CRP. Overall, use of CGN-containing protein supplements was not significantly associated with CRP (primary ratio:1.07, 95%CI:0.74-1.55; secondary:0.98, 95%CI:0.66-1.47). However, some differences by health status (p-interaction = 0.04) were observed, with some suggestions of association among participants reporting poorer health (primary:1.91, 95%CI:0.92-3.97; secondary:3.14, 95%CI:1.43-6.91). No significant interactions were found for age, gender, obesity, or time, despite some suggestive evidence of associations in younger adults and females. Use of CGN-containing protein supplement beverages was not associated with higher CRP overall, but hypothesis-generating data warrant future larger studies to evaluate the role of CGN on inflammation in specific population subgroups.

Fabrication and characterization of bio-polymer-based flavonoid nanoemulsion/TiO2 nanoparticles bilayer composite films and its application in mutton preservation.

The gut microbiota plays a central role in digestion, metabolism, immune regulation, and inflammatory processes, and is highly responsive to dietary factors, including food additives. With the increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods, growing attention has been directed toward the long-term effects of commonly used additives on gut health. This review examines the interactions between food additives and the gut microbiota, with a specific focus on the emulsifiers carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and carrageenan (CGN), which are widely used in processed foods. Evidence from in vitro, animal, and limited human studies indicates that both CMC and CGN can alter gut microbiota composition, disrupt intestinal barrier integrity, and promote pro-inflammatory responses, although their mechanisms of action differ. CGN has been more consistently associated with direct activation of inflammatory signalling pathways and epithelial stress, whereas CMC primarily induces microbiota-mediated effects, including altered microbial spatial organisation and mucus barrier disruption, leading to low-grade inflammation. The magnitude of these effects appears to depend on dosage, duration of exposure, and the experimental model employed. Overall, the findings summarised in this review suggest that chronic exposure to CMC and CGN may contribute to gut dysbiosis and increased inflammatory susceptibility, particularly within dietary patterns rich in ultra-processed foods. These observations highlight the need for harmonised research methodologies, more human-relevant long-term studies, and reconsideration of current food safety assessment frameworks to better account for microbiota-related outcomes.

Griffithsin (GRFT) is an antiviral lectin that blocks human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) entry. When combined with carrageenan (CG), GRFT has strong activity against herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and human papillomavirus (HPV). We conducted a preclinical evaluation of a high-dose vaginal fast-dissolving insert (FDI) containing 3 mg GRFT-equivalent to 3× the clinical dose-and compared it with a 1 mg formulation. Studies included FDI disintegration (macaques, rabbits); GRFT pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and inflammatory response (macaques); toxicity (rats); and immunogenicity (macaques, rats). Disintegration times varied between species, emphasizing the importance of evaluating this parameter in humans. In macaques, cervico-vaginal lavage (CVL) GRFT concentrations exceeded levels associated with in vivo efficacy 12 h after administration of the 3 mg GRFT/CG FDI. Potent anti-HIV1BaL activity was detected in CVLs collected 24 h following the 3 mg dose and 12 h after the 1 mg dose. CVLs inhibited HSV-2 at 4 h and HPV at 12 h after both GRFT doses. GRFT/CG FDIs caused no inflammatory response and did not alter vaginal pH. In rats, repeated daily dosing at up to 10× the clinical dose revealed no safety concerns. Although anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) developed in macaques and rats, systemic GRFT was undetectable, suggesting that ADAs are unlikely to alter pharmacokinetics. Overall, the CVL GRFT concentrations and anti-HIV activity following administration of 3 mg GRFT/CG FDIs suggest a longer protection window-at least 12 h-against HIV-1 compared with the 1 mg FDI, and both formulations demonstrate activity against HSV-2 and HPV. These findings support continued GRFT/CG FDI development.IMPORTANCEThere is an undeniable need to develop multipurpose prevention products that simultaneously protect against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted pathogens. To that end, we conducted a preclinical evaluation of a carrageenan-based fast-dissolving vaginal insert containing 3 mg of anti-viral lectin Griffithsin-equivalent to 3× clinical dose-and compared it with a 1 mg insert. Both formulations were safe and demonstrated potent anti-HIV, herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), and human papillomavirus (HPV) activity. Our data suggest that a 3× clinical dose Griffithsin formulation may afford an extended window of protection against HIV compared to the 1× dose formulation. These data support further development and clinical testing of high-dose Griffithsin carrageenan fast-dissolving vaginal insert.

Background/Objectives: Seasonal waves of respiratory viruses-including SARS-CoV-2, influenza A virus (IAV), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-continue to pose a global health burden and highlight the need for antiviral agents that are effective, safe, broadly active, affordable, and widely accessible. Current interventions are limited by the need for their early administration, the risk of resistance, their costs, and the restricted availability in large parts of the world. For certain natural products, such as European black elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) fruit extract (ElderCraft®; EC) and the seaweed-derived sulfated polymer iota-carrageenan (IC), antiviral activities against respiratory viruses, particularly IAV and SARS-CoV-2, have previously been shown. Here, we assessed the antiviral activity of IC and an anthocyanin-standardized EC extract against SARS-CoV-2, IAV, and RSV, either as monotherapy or in multiple-dose combinations. Methods: MDCKII cells were infected with IAVPR8, human Calu-3 lung epithelial cells with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, and HEp-2 cells with RSV (A2 strain). Inhibitors were administered either by pre-incubation of cell-free virions prior to infection or, in separate time-of-addition experiments, during or post-infection. Viral replication was quantified by qRT-PCR or intracellular immunostaining. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using a neutral red uptake assay. Results: Most intriguingly, both EC and IC are able to neutralize virions derived from SARS-CoV-2, IAV, or RSV extracellularly in a dose-dependent manner. Notably, EC and IC alone exhibited strong anti-RSV activity, which was not reported previously. Most importantly, combined treatment with IC and EC caused a pronounced synergistic antiviral effect against the tested viruses, as confirmed by the Bliss independence model, without any detectable impact on cell viability. Finally, solutions prepared from matrix-standardized mono- or combi-lozenges, containing IC and/or EC in high or low doses, reproduced the antiviral and synergistic combination effects observed with the pure compounds. Conclusions: In summary, these findings support further development of EC and IC as a topically accessible, virion-neutralizing combination (e.g., lozenges) to provide additional protection against major respiratory viruses and potentially strengthen pandemic preparedness.

Sulfated polysaccharides, carrageenans (CRGs) derived from Chondrus armatus, were used as mucoadhesive matrices for incorporating the antiviral drug acyclovir (ACV). Through IR spectroscopy and quantum-chemical calculations, it was demonstrated that CRGs interact with ACV, forming complexes via intermolecular hydrogen bonding and coordination interactions, with an enthalpy of approximately 15-20 kcal/mol. The monomodal ζ-potential distribution observed in the CRG/ACV mixture confirmed the successful formation of this complex. The antiviral efficacy of the CRG/ACV complex was evaluated during the early stages of herpes simple virus (HSV-1) infection, focusing on its ability to inhibit the cytopathic effects of the virus on host cells. Notably, CRGs enhanced antiviral activity by allowing a reduction in the ACV dosage. Unlike ACV alone, the CRG complex exhibited a prophylactic effect, with therapeutic efficacy comparable to that of ACV. When incorporated into liposomes, the CRG/ACV complex displayed excellent mucoadhesive properties. This liposomal formulation demonstrated notable antiviral activity against infected cells with selective index (SI) 344 and a heightened prophylactic effect (SI 128) compared to the complex alone. Overall, these new antiviral compounds show promise in selectively inhibiting viral adsorption and replication processes without adversely affecting the host organism.

Resonant Raman spectroscopy elucidates pH-reversible chelation of blueberry anthocyanins with metal ions and carrageenan-enhanced photothermal stability.

κ-, ι-, and λ-carrageenan Maillard conjugation enhances whey protein isolate stability during ultra-high-temperature treatment.

The development of tissue-engineered heart valves (TEHVs) remains a challenge worldwide. In this study, a series of double-crosslinked methacrylated (MA) carrageenan (CA)/MA gelatin hydrogels loaded with heparin (CA/Gel@Hep) were developed as potential materials for TEHV. CA/Gel@Hep hydrogels with different concentrations of heparin were fabricated, and their mechanical properties, swelling/degradation behaviors, and heparin release profiles, and biological performance were systematically studied. The rheological tests showed that storage modulus (G') was consistently higher than loss modulus (G''). Unconfined compression tests showed that the compressive modulus of CA/Gel@Hep hydrogels ranged from 0.26 ± 0.01 to 0.43 ± 0.03 kPa, which matches the mechanical requirements of native valve leaflets.In vitroevaluation demonstrated that CA/Gel@Hep hydrogels exhibited good cytocompatibility and blood compatibility, excellent anticoagulant properties, and facilitated migration and proliferation of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells. quantitative PCR results showed that CA/Gel@Hep hydrogels significantly upregulated the expression of genes related to valve remodeling, including SMA, VIM, MMP1, and MMP2. These results suggest that CA/Gel@Hep hydrogels hold great potential for heart valve tissue engineering applications.

Carrageenan (CGN) is widely used in processed foods and is typically supplied as a commercial preparation blended with other hydrocolloids to improve gelling properties, rather than as a single purified polymer. However, safety evaluations and mechanistic studies have largely focused on CGN in isolation; as a result, the biological effects of commercial CGN preparations (CGNPs) under realistic exposure conditions are still insufficiently characterized. In this study, the structural characteristics of three commercial food-grade CGNPs intended for meat products, soft sweets, and jelly were investigated. Furthermore, their effects on colitis were assessed, along with their impacts on the gut microbiota and related metabolites. The results indicated that all three CGNPs were κ-type, but differed in monosaccharide composition and molecular weight, which may contribute to their biological differences. In vivo, the CGNP intended for soft sweets significantly reduced the disease activity index (n = 6/group, p < 0.05) and helped maintain colon length (n = 6/group, p < 0.05). This CGNP also markedly reduced the abundance of Escherichia-Shigella and Helicobacter, while increasing propionate levels (n = 6/group, p < 0.05). In contrast, CGNPs intended for meat products and jelly tended to exacerbate colitis and increased the abundance of Enterococcus, a genus associated with colitis. These findings reveal the application-specific biological effects of commercial food-grade CGNPs and provide a basis for optimizing the application of these preparations in the food industry.

The direct use of Chondrus crispus mucilage powder as a multifunctional texture and stability enhancer in poultry sausages has not been previously investigated. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of mucilage extracted from Chondrus crispus (Irish moss) on the structure, ripening, and quality characteristics of poultry sucuk. The mucilage was obtained from Chondrus crispus through boiling (1 hour), drying, and grinding. This powder was mixed with water at different ratios (1, 2 and 3%) and blended with chicken breast meat, chicken fat, spices and starter culture to form poultry sucuk dough. Quality parameters including moisture, pH, color, texture, and lipid oxidation were evaluated over a 49-day ripening and storage period. The mucilage significantly improved texture as increasing hardness and chewiness (p &amp;lt; 0.05), while also stabilizing pH and reducing lipid oxidation, particularly at 1–2% levels. Moreover, the mucilage was obtained from red algae and its transparency did not have much effect on the color values. The addition of mucilage also increased the protein content. These findings suggest that C. crispus mucilage could be used in poultry sucuk to solve texture problems and improve quality of poultry sucuk without adverse sensory effects.

Conventional starch-based chocolate fillings often exhibit retrogradation, poor rheology, and low thermal stability. To address these limitations, this study developed chocolate fillings using corn starch (CS) combined with five gums such as xanthan gum (XG), guar gum (GG), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), locust bean gum (LBG), and carrageenan (CARRA) to enhance their functional and thermal properties for croissant applications. Dynamic frequency sweep analysis indicated that gum incorporation substantially improved the viscoelastic behavior of CS-based chocolate fillings, with the CS-CMC blend demonstrating the highest structural stability even post-baking. Temperature sweep rheology (25-90°C) further showed that CS-CMC possessed the greatest structural stability, maintaining G' > G″ across the range. CS-XG followed, whereas CS-LBG, CS-GG, CS-CARRA, and CS shifted toward liquid-like behavior at higher temperatures. The baking stability index (BSI) of chocolate fillings formulated with CS was 80%, but increased to 85.8-96.8% when CS was blended with gums. Syneresis decreased substantially: from 7.6% to 1.12-5.96% in the without baking condition and from 4.25% to 0.96-2.74% after baking, with the CS-CMC blend showing the greatest improvement. Without baking, chocolate fillings showed TPC of 141.54-165.38 mg GAE/100 g and antioxidant activity of 64.52-70.58%. After baking, these values decreased slightly to 135.54-160.85 mg GAE/100 g and 58.58-68.79%. Croissants filled with these formulations exhibited enhanced antioxidant potential and reduced firmness. Overall, CS-CMC was identified as the most effective gum-starch combination for producing thermally stable, nutritionally enriched, and consumer-preferred chocolate fillings.