Kappa Carrageenan Research Articles

The Effect of Kappa Carrageenan Composition on the Characteristics of Chitosan-Kappa Carrageenan Hydrogel Film

Chitosan-Kappa Carrageenan (Chit-KC) hydrogel films have been made using a casting method with different compositions. This research aimed to investigate the effects of different compositions on the chemical, physical, and mechanical characteristics of the Chit-KC hydrogel films. The compositions of the kappa carrageenan in the Chit-KC films were 0%, 16.67%, 33.33%, 50.0%, and 100.0%. The films were characterized using FTIR, SEM, DTA-TGA, and XRD instruments to analyze their functional groups, morphology, thermal properties, and crystallinity. They were also tested for their solubility, swelling, water vapor permeability (WVP), and mechanical characteristics. The results revealed that the addition of kappa-carrageenan induced the formation of a polyelectrolyte complex. The polyelectrolyte complex caused an increase in swelling, crystallinity, and WVP values and a decrease in solubility, tensile strength, elongation, and elasticity. It also caused the formation of film layers and granules on the surface of the hydrogel film. The IR spectra exhibited that the Chit-KC hydrogel films contained O-H, C-H, C=O, S=O, C-O, and C-O-C groups. The DTA-TGA test results revealed that the film began decomposing at around 200°C and re-decomposing at 300°C.

Polysaccharide-Stabilized Semisolid Emulsion with Vegetable Oils for Skin Wound Healing: Impact of Composition on Physicochemical and Biological Properties

Background/Objectives: The demand for natural-based formulations in chronic wound care has increased, driven by the need for biocompatible, safe, and effective treatments. Natural polysaccharide-based emulsions enriched with vegetable oils present promising benefits for skin repair, offering structural support and protective barriers suitable for sensitive wound environments. This study aimed to develop and evaluate semisolid polysaccharide-based emulsions for wound healing, incorporating avocado (Persea gratissima) and blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) oils (AO and BO, respectively). Both gellan gum (GG) and kappa-carrageenan (KC) were used as stabilizers due to their biocompatibility and gel-forming abilities. Methods: Four formulations were prepared (F1-GG-AO; F2-KC-AO; F3-GG-BO; F4-KC-BO) and evaluated for physicochemical properties, spreadability, rheology, antioxidant activity, occlusive and bioadhesion potential, biocompatibility, and wound healing efficacy using an in vitro scratch assay. Results: The pH values (4.74–5.06) were suitable for skin application, and FTIR confirmed excipient compatibility. The formulations showed reduced occlusive potential, pseudoplastic behavior with thixotropy, and adequate spreadability (7.13–8.47 mm2/g). Lower bioadhesion indicated ease of application and removal, enhancing user comfort. Formulations stabilized with KC exhibited superior antioxidant activity (DPPH scavenging) and fibroblast biocompatibility (CC50% 390–589 µg/mL) and were non-hemolytic. Both F2-KC-AO and F4-KC-BO significantly improved in vitro wound healing by promoting cell migration compared to other formulations. Conclusions: These findings underscore the potential of these emulsions for effective wound treatment, providing a foundation for developing skin care products that harness the therapeutic properties of polysaccharides and plant oils in a natural approach to wound care.

Growth Response of Kappaphycus Alvarezii at Different Depth in the Waters of Batu Bao, East Nusa Tenggara

ABSTRACT Seaweed is one of the important fisheries commodities with significant economic value. Kappaphycus alvarezii, commonly known as Eucheuma cottoni in the market, is a type of seaweed that produces kappa carrageenan. This research aims to determine the effective planting depth for the growth, morphological and histological changes, and the environmental parameters influencing the growth of K. alvarezii. The cultivation method used in this research is the longline method, and it employs a Completely Randomized Design consisting of four treatments: 15cm, 30cm, 45cm, and 60cm, with each treatment replicated five times. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance, and if significant differences were found, Duncan's post hoc test was conducted. The research results indicate that an increase in planting depth has a significant impact on specific growth rate (SGR) and average growth rate (AGR). Deeper planting depths result in slower growth. The best depth for the growth, morphology, and histology of K. alvarezii during the study was observed at a depth of 15 cm. Environmental parameters such as temperature, salinity, water flow rate, water clarity, and pH have a positive influence on the growth of K. alvarezii.

The active kappa-carrageenan coating and oxygen absorber packaging for the preservation of chilled rainbow trout fillets

The objective of the current research was to evaluate the effects of incorporating kappa-carrageenan (KCA) coating with dill essential oil (DEO), in conjunction with oxygen absorber (OA) packaging, on the quality attributes of rainbow trout fillets throughout a 20-day period of refrigerated storage. The administered treatments included OA, KCA + OA, KCA + DEO, KCA + DEO + OA, and control. Treating the trout fillets with DEO-loaded coating and/or using OA packaging was found to be more effective in restricting the growth of total mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and lactic acid bacteria. The aforementioned treatments were more efficient in slowing down the rate of increase in pH, total volatile nitrogen, conjugated dienes, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, protein carbonyls, electric conductivity, and organoleptic deterioration in the trout fillets. Notably, the most effective treatment in this context was KCA + DEO + OA. The shelf-life of trout fillets was established through the assessment of multiple parameters. It was determined to be 4 days in both the control and KCA groups, 8 days in the OA and KCA + OA groups, 16 days in the KCA + DEO group, and a minimum of 20 days in the KCA + DEO + OA group. Consequently, our recommendation is to apply an active coating based on KCA, incorporating DEO in conjunction with OA packaging, for the preservation of fish fillets stored in refrigeration.

Lambda carrageenan displays antiviral activity against the infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) by inhibiting viral replication and enhancing innate immunity in salmonid cells

Sulfated polysaccharide lambda carrageenan (λ-CGN) was evaluated for its antiviral effect against IPNV using the in vitro infection model of CHSE-214 salmonid cells. A plaque reduction lysis assay revealed that λ-CGN has an IC50 of 0.9 μg⋅mL−1, CC50 > 128 μg⋅mL−1 and a Selectivity Index (SI) > 142. In comparison, iota, kappa carrageenans and lambda oligo-carrageenan (λ-OC) were less effective than λ-CGN against IPNV. λ-CGN showed no virucidal activity when applied directly to viral particles. Time of addition experiments showed that pre-treatment, co-treatment, and post-treatment with λ-CGN significantly reduced viral RNA copies in the cell supernatant. Additionally, a decrease in intracellular viral RNA was observed with pre-treatment and post-treatment, indicating an impact on different stages of viral replication. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of IPNV genomic RNA in presence of λ-CGN showed a reduction in the level of viral genomic RNA. Confocal microscopy confirmed the intracellular localization of λ-CGN, suggesting that λ-CGN may inhibit the synthesis of IPNV genomic RNA. Moreover, cells pre-treated with λ-CGN showed an increased expression of innate immunity genes CXCL11, IL1β, IFNa, and IRF3. These findings highlight the need for further research to confirm the in vivo pharmacological potential of λ-CGN as a new antiviral agent in salmonids.

Molecular docking analysis of subtilisin-like alkaline serine protease (SLASP) and laccase with natural biopolymers

Abstract Alkaline serine proteases (ASPs) and laccases (Lacs) have been reported to possess several industrial applications, particularly in the food, cosmetic, and leather industries. Thus, in the present study, eighteen natural biopolymers, including agar, agarose, alginate, kappa carrageenan, cellulose, chitosan pentamer, chitosan oligosaccharide, chondroitin sulfate, dextran, fucoidan, heparin, hyaluronan, lignin, mannan, pectin, phytic acid, pullulan and starch soluble, were studied for their docking behavior, such as subtilisin-like alkaline serine protease (SLASP) KP-43 and Bacillus subtilis laccase (Bs Lac), using the SwissDock method. Additionally, the toxicity toward honey bees and human liver was determined by utilizing the free Bee-Tox and pkCSM web servers, respectively. Bee-Tox analysis demonstrated that four ligands (namely, agar, cellulose, lignin, and pullulan) exhibited acute oral toxicity toward honey bees (Apis mellifera). The docking study revealed that chitosan pentamer and lignin exhibited maximum binding energies of −9.67 and −11.37 kcal/mol against the target proteins SLASP (KP-43) and Lac (Bs Lac), respectively. Interestingly, in the present study, agarose was shown to interact with the His68 and Ser255 amino acid residues of SLASP (KP-43) from KSM-KP43 Bacillus sp. Thus, the current investigation showed the potential of eighteen natural biopolymers as immobilizing agents to prepare ASP and Lac nanoparticles for biomedical applications.

Effect of Glucose Addition on Physical Characteristics of Edible Film from Kappa-Carrageenan Using Sorbitol Plasticizer

The development of increasingly advanced food technology has resulted in various new food product innovations, one example of which is edible film. Edible films can be made from polysaccharides such as kappa carrageenan with the addition of sorbitol and glucose plasticizers to improve their physical characteristics. This research aims to determine the effect of adding glucose on the physical properties of edible film from kappa carrageenan and sorbitol plasticizer. The research carried out was experimental using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four treatments and five replications. Treatment consisted of glucose concentrations of 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%. Data analysis used ANOVA, then continued with the DMRT test. The research results prove that glucose has a significant effect (p<0.05) on the physical characteristics of edible film. Optimal results were found at a glucose concentration of 0.5%, with a thickness value of 0.0972 mm, water vapor transmission rate of 3.319 g/m2/day, tensile strength of 3.2648 MPa, and elongation of 22.34%.

Effects of pH, kappa‐carrageenan concentration and storage time on the textural and rheological properties of pea protein emulsion‐gels

SummaryThis study examined the rheological and textural properties of gels produced through emulsion gelation using pea protein isolate (PPI). Emulsions were prepared with varying PPI concentrations (2%–10%) and 0.25 oil fraction, followed by heat treatment. Higher PPI concentrations improved encapsulation efficiency (EE), but heat slightly reduced it, though EE remained above 90%. Droplet size decreased with higher PPI. The emulsion was then gelled with different kappa‐carrageenan (KC) concentrations (1%–2%) and pH levels (4–7). Gel hardness increased with KC content, while adhesiveness decreased. Springiness, cohesiveness and water‐holding capacity (WHC) rose with pH and KC, while meltability decreased. Rheological tests showed stronger gels with higher KC and lower pH. Storage time generally increased gel strength, except at pH 4. This work highlights the interplay between PPI, KC, pH and storage time in shaping the properties of pea protein‐based emulsions and gels.

Comparative analysis of classic network vs. nanogel junction network in konjac glucomannan/kappa carrageenan hybrid hydrogels

The three-dimensional network architecture of hydrogels significantly influences their mechanical and physical properties; therefore, understanding them is essential for designing optimized hydrogel-based biomaterials. This study presents a comparative analysis of two hybrid hydrogels composed of konjac glucomannan (KGM) and kappa carrageenan (KCAR) with the same stiffness (5.2–5.7 kPa and 1.6–1.7 kPa) thus similar cross-linking density but different network architectures: a classic network formed by extended polysaccharide interactions and a nanogel junction network where nanoscale cross-linked KCAR (KCAR-NGs) links KGM chains. The mechanical behavior, dissolution, and diffusion characteristics were examined, revealing that the classic network demonstrates superior tensile resistance, elongation, and solvent-induced swelling resistance, leading to slower dissolution rates and higher viscosity. Conversely, the nanogel junction network offers higher permeability for small molecules and faster dissolution, suggesting a more open network structure. These findings highlight the nanogel-based hydrogels' advantages for biomedical applications requiring stability, permeability, and rapid dissolution without high temperatures or chelating agents. This study underscores the potential of nanogel junction networks to balance hydrogel stiffness and permeability, advancing the design of hydrogel-based biomaterials.

Preparation and Characterization of Biodegradable Plastic from Red Seaweed (Gracilaria sp.) from Coastal Areas in Bangladesh

AbstractBioplastics are biobased or biodegradable plastic synthesized from natural resources with similar features to conventional plastic and environmental sustainability. Seaweed species abundant in the coastal regions of Bangladesh are yet to be explored for developing biodegradable plastic to solve the plastic pollution problem. Semi‐refined kappa carrageenan was extracted from Gracilaria sp. with Pressurized Hot Water Extraction (PHWE) and blended with sorbitol and polyethylene glycol 1540 in this study, respectively. The presence of carrageenan and other functional groups was confirmed with FTIR analysis. The bioplastic films showed over 90 % biodegradability after 16 days of soil burial test and 98 % water solubility after immersion for 16 days. Maximum 20 MPa tensile strength and 44 % elongation were observed from the bioplastic films. The polyethylene glycol 1540 blended films showed better physical and mechanical properties. SEM analysis was conducted to evaluate the influence of tensile strength and elongation on the surface integrity of the bioplastic films. The findings indicate that Gracilaria sp. found in the coastal regions of Bangladesh, can be a potential candidate for developing bioplastics for food packaging and many other applications.

Use of Fruit Waste as Natural Dyes in pH-Sensitive Colorimetric Sensors for Tilapia Fillets Quality Decline

Graphical Abstract Highlight Research 1. The use of dragon fruit peel, mangosteen peel and onion peel waste as natural dyes in colorimetric sensors was analyzed in this study. 2. Natural dyes are added to bioplastics with kappa carrageenan polymer, a mixture of corn starch and kappa carrageenan, and corn starch to determine the characteristics of the best bioplastic to be used as a colorimetry sensor. 3. The quality of the fish fillet compared to the color changes in colorimetry sensor was analysed in this study. 4. Mixture of kappa carrageenan and corn starch as bioplastic with casting method was analyzed in this study. Abstract Tilapia fillet aimed to prolonging shelf life, may still experience quality deterioration posing food safety risks. Colorimetric pH indicators offer a simple and affordable solution to the food industry to evaluating fish spoilage. Natural dyes reduce potential health risks associated with synthetic dyes. Anthocyanin sources haven’t been explored like dragon fruit rind, mangosteen rind, and red onion skin serve as real time quality and safety assessment tools for consumers. This study explores the potential of anthocyanin extracted from dragon fruit rind, mangosteen rind, and red onion skin as colorimetric sensors for evaluating the quality and safety of tilapia fillets. The anthocyanin-based sensors developed using kappa carrageenan and corn starch polymers to achieve sustainability fisheries program and were characterized according to the Japanese Industrial Standard for bioplastics. The results show that anthocyanin from dragon fruit skin exhibited the best color change in response to pH changes in the tilapia fillet, indicating its potential as a reliable indicator of spoilage. This research highlights the feasibility of using natural dyes as colorimetric sensors, reducing the risk of health hazards associated with synthetic dyes. This study also shows that different polymers give different characteristic of bioplastic. Carrageenan bioplastic shows best thickness values of 0,118 mm; Carrageenan and corn starch bioplastics shows best tensile strength values of 20,62 MPa; Carrageenan bioplastic shows best elongation values of 254%; and All polymers shows the same biodegradation rate values of 14,29%. Further studies are needed to explore other natural dyes and optimize the polymers for optimal bioplastic characteristics.

SYNTHESIS OF REFINED CARRAGEENAN FROM EUCHEUMA COTTONII WITH VARIATION OF PRECIPITATING SOLVENT

Red seaweed, Euchema cottonii, is a kappa carrageenan source that grows in Indonesia's coastal areas. Carrageenan is one of the polysaccharides composed entirely of D-galactopyranose units. Besides being used in the food industry, carrageenan is also used in the non-food industry, such as in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, printing, and textile formulations. Various studies have been carried out to produce high-quality Carrageenans. However, the extraction process of carrageenan is quite complicated, and relatively energy intensive. The primary step in carrageenan production is extraction, washing, filtration, precipitation, filtering, pressing, drying, and milling. This study aims to optimize the carrageenan extraction process from red seaweed and characterize the physicochemical of the extracted carrageenan. Red seaweed was extracted using 0.6% of KOH, and the ratio between seaweed and KOH solution was 1:20. Extraction temperature was varied at 30oC and 80oC, and several precipitants, i.e., 96% alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, and KCl were used. The results showed that the best carrageenan extraction process was at 80 oC of extraction temperature and using KCl as a precipitating solvent. From these results, the yield, water content, ash content, viscosity, and L value were 21.24%, 12.56%, 22.69%, 310.96 cP, and 97.93, respectively. Based on the Food Agriculture Organization (FAO) standard, the physical properties of carrageenan produced in this study are under the range permitted by this standard. The study of carrageenans by FTIR spectroscopy shows the presence of S=O of sulfate ester; and C-O of 3,6-anhydrogalactose; galactose and D-galactose-4-sulfate and the results indicated that the carrageenan was κ-type.

Sustained dual delivery of metronidazole and viable Lactobacillus crispatus from 3D-printed silicone shells

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an imbalance of the vaginal microbiome in which there are limited lactobacilli and an overgrowth of anaerobic and fastidious bacteria such as Gardnerella. The propensity for BV recurrence is high, and therapies involving multiple treatment modalities are emerging to meet this need. However, current treatments requiring frequent therapeutic administration are challenging for patients and impact user compliance. Three-dimensional (3D)-printing offers a novel alternative to customize platforms to facilitate sustained therapeutic delivery to the vaginal tract. This study designed a novel vehicle intended for dual sustained delivery of both antibiotic and probiotic. 3D-printed compartmental scaffolds consisting of an antibiotic-containing silicone shell and a core containing probiotic Lactobacillus were developed with multiple formulations including biomaterials sodium alginate (SA), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyethylene oxide (PEO), and kappa-carrageenan (KC). The vehicles were loaded with 50 μg of metronidazole/mg polymer and 5 × 107 CFU of L. crispatus/mg scaffold. Metronidazole-containing shells exhibited cumulative drug release of 324.2 ± 31.2 μg/mL after 14 days. Multiple polymeric formulations for the probiotic core demonstrated cumulative L. crispatus recovery of >5 × 107 CFU/mg scaffold during this timeframe. L. crispatus-loaded polymeric formulations exhibited ≥2 log CFU/mL reduction in free Gardnerella in the presence of VK2/E6E7 vaginal epithelial cells. As a first step towards the goal of facilitating patient compliance, this study demonstrates in vitro effect of a novel 3D-printed dual antibiotic and probiotic delivery platform to target BV.

Removal of oxytetracycline from pharmaceutical wastewater using kappa carrageenan hydrogel

This study investigated the adsorption of Oxytetracycline (OTC) from pharmaceutical wastewater using a kappa carrageenan based hydrogel (KPB). The aim of the present study was to explore the potential of KPB for long-term pharmaceutical wastewater treatment. A sustainable adsorbent was developed to address oxytetracycline (OTC) contamination. The hydrogel’s structural and adsorption characteristics were examined using various techniques like Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and kinetic models. The results revealed considerable changes in the vibrational modes and adsorption bands of the hydrogel, suggesting the effective functionalization of Bentonite nano-clay. Kappa carrageenan based hydrogel achieved the maximum removal (98.5%) of OTC at concerntration of 40 mg/L, pH 8, cotact time of 140 min and adsorbent dose of 0.1 g (KPB-3). Adsorption of OTC increased up to 99% with increasing initial concentrations. The study achieved 95% adsorption capacity for OTC using a KPB film at a concentration of 20 mg/L and a 0.1 g adsorbent dose within 60 min. It also revealed that chemisorptions processes outperform physical adsorption. The Pseudo-Second-Order model, which emphasized the importance of chemical adsorption in the removal process, is better suited to represent the adsorption behavior. Excellent matches were found that R2 = 0.99 for KPB-3, R2 = 0.984 for KPB-2 and R2 = 0.989 for KPB-1 indicated strong chemical bonding interactions. Statisctical analysis (ANOVA) was performed using SPSS (version 25) and it was found that pH and concentration had significant influence on OTC adsorption by the hydrogel, with p-values less than 0.05. The study identified that a Kappa carrageenan-based hydrogel with bentonite nano-clay and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) can efficiently remove OTC from pharmaceutical effluent, with a p-value of 0.054, but weak positive linear associations with pH, temperature, and contact time. This research contributed to sustainable wastewater treatment and environmental engineering.

Controlled dissolution of physically cross-linked locust bean gum – κ-carrageenan hydrogels

Most hydrogels swell but do not dissolve in water since their chains are tied to each other. Nevertheless, some hydrogels disintegrate under physiological conditions, a property that could be beneficial in emerging applications, including sacrificial materials, 3D bioprinting, and wound dressings. This paper proposes a novel approach to control the dissolution rate of hydrogels based on the integration of kappa carrageenan nanoparticles (KCAR-NPs) into kappa carrageenan (KCAR) and locust bean gum (LBG) hydrogels to obtain a three-component hybrid system. KCAR and LBG are known to have synergistic interactions, where physical interactions and chain entanglements lead to their gelation. We hypothesized that integrating the bulky nanoparticles would disturb the three-dimensional network formed by the polysaccharide chains and enable manipulating the dissolution rate. Compression, water absorption, rheology, and cryo-scanning electron microscopy measurements were performed to characterize the physical properties and structure of the hydrogels. The hybrid hydrogels displayed much faster dissolution rates than a control system without nanoparticles, which did not completely dissolve within 50 days and offered a cutting-edge means to finely adjust hydrogel dissolution through modulation of KCAR and KCAR-NPs concentrations. The new hydrogels also exhibited shear-thinning and self-healing properties resulting from the weak and reversible nature of the physical bonds.

EFFECTIVENESS OF CAPPA-CARRAGEENAN TO INCREASE TO RESISTANCE OF FRESHWATER CRAYFISH Cherax quadricarinatus TO Aeromonas hydrophila INFECTION

Crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus is one of the fishery commodities that has business prospects not only as an ornamental fish commodity but also as a consumption commodity. Disease attacks caused by bacteria cannot be avoided, so one of the efforts made to increase the resistance of crayfish by giving kappa carrageenan is to increase the resistance of the crayfish. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of resistance of C. quadricarinatus to A. hydrophila bacterial infection by giving kappa carrageenan with different frequencies which is effective for increasing lobster survival after challenge tests with A. hydrophila bacteria. The study was conducted using a completely randomized design (RAL) with five treatments and three replications, namely control (without injection of kappa carrageenan), 1 time, 2 times, 4 times, and 6 times of injection kappa carrageenan. During maintenance, kappa carrageenan was given at a dose of 5 μg/g of oyster by dissolving 2.5 mg in 1 ml of Phosphate Buffer Saline (PBS) and then injected into lobster as much as 20μl/head. on day 30, challenged with A. hydrophila bacteria. The results showed that giving kappa-carrageenan 2, 4, and 6 times showed the same results (P>0.05) on the absolute growth of crayfish. The survival rate of crayfish given kappa-carrageenan showed that the frequency of giving 4 times showed the highest survival rate. Water quality during the study consisting of oxygen 6.25 mg/l, carbodioxide 3.68 mg/l, pH 6.8, ammonia 0.17 mg/l, and temperature 26.9 °C showed that it was still in the range that was feasible as a maintenance media

Kappa-carrageenan and xylooligosaccharide effect on water mobility and structural changes in silver carp proteins during frozen storage.

The cryoprotective effect of xylooligosaccharide (XO) and kappa-carrageenan (KC) mixture on silver carp proteins in fluctuated frozen storage from 4 to -18 °C was analyzed. Positive control as a conventional cryoprotectant mixture of sucrose (4%) and sorbitol (4%), KC (3%) and XO/KC (3%) treatments were incorporated in silver carp surimi and myofibrillar proteins to analyze the water mobility and its influence on structural attributes. The temperature fluctuation significantly increased the structural alteration in samples with no treatments due to oxidative changes, protein denaturation and recrystallization. Meanwhile, the mixture of XO and KC (XO/KC 3%) significantly reduced the tertiary and secondary structural alterations by preventing the oxidative changes in α-helix and tryptophan (Trp) residues. Moreover, XO/KC (3%) inhibited water mobility, hindering the T22 relaxation time, as compared to the samples added with KC (3%) and the positive control. Interestingly, the XO/KC (3%) mixture significantly reduced the formation of extracellular spaces and recrystallization by restricting the partial dehydration of muscles and extracellular solution concentration. From the current results, it can be concluded that the XO/KC mixture could be efficient in protecting aquatic food proteins during fluctuating frozen storage by preventing the exposure of Trp residues and α-helix contents. Moreover, XO/KC restricted the water mobility by establishing a bond and making water unavailable for crystallization and recrystallization. Therefore, XO/KC could be used as an effective mixture to prevent fluctuated and frozen storage changes in aquatic foods. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Stability and Biaxial Behavior of Fresh Cheese Coated with Nanoliposomes Encapsulating Grape Seed Tannins and Polysaccharides Using Immersion and Spray Methods.

In the food industry context, where fresh cheese stands out as a highly perishable product with a short shelf life, this study aimed to extend its preservation through multi-layer edible coatings. The overall objective was to analyze the biaxial behavior and texture of fresh cheese coated with nanoliposomes encapsulating grape seed tannins (NTs) and polysaccharides (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; HPMC and kappa carrageenan; KC) using immersion and spray methods, establishing comparisons with uncoated cheeses and commercial samples, including an accelerated shelf-life study. NT, HPMC, and KC were employed as primary components in the multi-layer edible coatings, which were applied through immersion and spray. The results revealed significant improvements, such as a 20% reduction in weight loss and increased stability against oxidation, evidenced by a 30% lower peroxide index than the uncoated samples. These findings underscore the effectiveness of edible coatings in enhancing the quality and extending the shelf life of fresh cheese, highlighting the innovative application of nanoliposomes and polysaccharide blends and the relevance of applying this strategy in the food industry. In conclusion, this study provides a promising perspective for developing dairy products with improved properties, opening opportunities to meet market demands and enhance consumer acceptance.

Development of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate and kappa carrageenan films loaded with curcumin for wound healing

Curcumin (CUR) has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity, which has motivated its use in wound healing. Films have shown to be promising systems as they can provide a sustained release, reducing the number of applications and microbial resistance problems. In this new study, CUR-loaded films presenting different proportions of k-carrageenan (κ-CAR) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose succinate acetate (HPMCAS) were prepared by the solvent casting method. The use of polymer combinations allows for more precise adjustment of release profile and mechanical properties. FTIR and thermal analyses suggested strong chemical interactions between these polymers, which contributed to explaining the improved mechanical properties, such as high values of elastic modulus, of the films. The amorphous state of the materials and the formation of pores in the internal structure of the matrix, as evidenced by SEM analysis, would enhance the penetration of wound exudate, leading to the consequent release of CUR. Moreover, a sustained CUR release and a local distribution in the human skin, with no systemic exposure and high retention in the epidermis, were found. The formulations also showed to be active against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 2000 mg L−1) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = 2000 mg L−1), which are the two main pathogens found in wounds. Taken together, these results suggest that HPMCAS/κ-CAR films are promising systems for application in wound healing.

Effects of Nanoparticles on the Mechanical Properties of the Composites Prepared from Biological and Chemical Gels

Poly (N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAm) and polyacrylamide (PAAm) are widely used in antifouling research because of their non-harmful nature and their high water-absorbing capacity. In addition, hydrogels such as these two, should be investigated for their mechanical properties because their mechanical properties influence the antifouling paint containing them remaining on the surface of the vessels. In this research PAAm, PNIPAm, and kappa carrageenan (κC) doped with graphene oxide (GO) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) composite gels were examined for their mechanical properties for use in antifouling paints as a potential material. For increasing the mechanical properties of composites, GO and MWCNTs are often used as doping materials. In the research described here, a compressive test was used to determine the elasticity, and the modulus was calculated. The toughness was calculated from the slope of the stress-strain curve. The PAAm, PNIPAm, and κC doped with GO and MWCNT exhibited excellent swelling and deswelling behavior and good mechanical properties as composites. The results showed that the composites’ mechanical characteristics increased with an ideal loading concentration of GO and MWCNTs. This study was inspired by our belief of a shortage of research on antifouling materials that are sensitive to the environment. We wanted to create materials that were both effective against fouling and environmentally safe by integrating the beneficial characteristics of hydrogels with potential materials inside antifouling paint. This study, we suggest, is an important step toward the development of antifouling materials with high mechanical performance that are also environmentally friendly.