Semi-refined Carrageenan Research Articles

Characterization Bio-Based Edible Film from Mango Seed Starch and Semi-Refined Carrageenan (Euchema cottonii) Using Sorbitol Plasticizer for Potential Food Contact Materials

Meanwhile, Semi-Refined Carrageenan (SRC) could be combined with starch as the base material for edible film fabrication to increase its tensile strength. This study aimed to identify edible film by synthesizing SRC and mango seed starch with plasticizer sorbitol, which could be safe for consumption in food packaging. The process of making edible film consists of three steps: extracting Eucheuma cottonii seaweed, making starch from mango seeds, and making edible film. The method used was the solution casting method, with a ratio of SRC: starch of mango seeds, namely 1: 0; 0.7: 0.3; and 0: 1 (w / w) and sorbitol concentrations of 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60% (w/w). This research shows that increasing sorbitol could decrease the tensile strength but increase the elongation and solubility of the edible film. As well as the combination of SRC and mango seed starch can produce edible films with higher characteristics than edible films based only on SRC or mango seed starch. The results of selecting the best conditions for an edible film based on the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) are the concentration ratio of SRC: mango seed starch (0.7: 0.3) and 30% sorbitol concentration with a thickness value of 0.22 mm, tensile strength 4.81 MPa, 28.50% elongation and 68.44% solubility

Advanced Extraction Techniques and Physicochemical Properties of Carrageenan from a Novel Kappaphycus alvarezii Cultivar

Carrageenans are valuable marine polysaccharides derived from specific species of red seaweed (Rhodophyta) widely used as thickening and stabilizing agents across various industries. Kappaphycus alvarezii, predominantly cultivated in tropical countries, is the primary source of kappa-carrageenan. Traditional industrial extraction methods involve alkaline treatment for up to three hours followed by heating, which is inefficient and generates substantial waste. Thus, developing improved extraction techniques would be helpful for enhancing efficiency and reducing environmental impacts, solvent costs, energy consumption, and the required processing time. In this study, we explored innovative extraction methods, such as ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and supercritical water extraction (SFE), together with other extraction methods to produce kappa-carrageenan from a new strain of K. alvarezii from the Philippines. FTIR-ATR spectroscopy was employed to characterize the structure of the different carrageenan fractions. We also examined the physicochemical properties of isolated phycocolloids, including viscosity, and the content of fatty acids, proteins, and carbohydrates. For refined carrageenan (RC), both the traditional extraction method and the UAE method used 1 M NaOH. Additionally, UAE (8% KOH) was employed to produce semi-refined carrageenan (SRC). UAE (8% KOH) produced a high yield of carrageenan, in half the extraction time (extraction yield: 76.70 ± 1.44), and improved carrageenan viscosity (658.7 cP), making this technique highly promising for industrial scaling up. On the other hand, SFE also yielded a significant amount of carrageenan, but the resulting product had the lowest viscosity and an acidic pH, posing safety concerns as classified by the EFSA’s re-evaluation of carrageenan as a food additive.

Characteristics of carrageenan from seaweed hydrolysis using marine fungi as hard-shell capsule material

Carrageenan is a polysaccharide extracted from red algae and can be used as a raw material for hard-shell capsules. Carrageenan can be produced by biological hydrolysis of marine fungi. The viscosity of carrageenan resulting from hydrolysis using marine fungi is lower than that of commercial carrageenan. Gelatine can be used to modify the characteristics of polysaccharide-based materials. The characteristics and types of carrageenan and plasticizers influence the interactions between carrageenan and gelatin. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of carrageenan produced by seaweed hydrolysis of a hard-shell capsule material. The physical characteristics of the carrageenan produced by hydrolysis were determined, including yield, viscosity, and gel strength. The properties of the hard-shell capsules, including dimensions, capsule weight, disintegration time, and moisture content, were analyzed. The yield was 25%, and the viscosity and gel strength of carrageenan were 45 cP and 175 gf, respectively. Carrageenan contains 13% moisture, 8% ash, and 8% cellulose. Semi-refined carrageenan produced by this treatment was used to prepare hard-shell capsules. The capsule made from semi-refined carrageenan had a body length of 18 mm, capsule length of 10 mm, capsule weight of 0.9 grams, disintegration time of 10 min, and moisture content of 12%.

Physicochemical Properties of Films from Semirefined Carrageenan/TiO2 Integrated with Cinnamaldehyde Pickering Emulsion for Active Food Packaging

Plastic waste has become a significant global environmental issue, particularly in the context of food packaging. In the present study, active packaging films were fabricated by integrating chitosan-stabilized cinnamaldehyde Pickering emulsion (PE) and titanium dioxide particles (TNPs) into the semirefined carrageenan (SRC) matrix. The impact of cinnamaldehyde PE and TNPs on the physical and mechanical attributes of the SRC films was explored. The integration of TNPs (3%, w/v) and 0.5% cinnamaldehyde PE revealed promising mechanical properties, with 21.86 MPa tensile strength and 34.21% of elongation at break value. The inclusion of TNPs and cinnamaldehyde PE led to enhancements in the moisture content and water solubility of the SRC films. The thermal stability of the film was marginally increased with 0.5% cinnamaldehyde PE. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a uniform distribution of active compounds in the SRC matrix. The study findings highlight the potential of cinnamaldehyde PE and TNPs in active food packaging films as eco-friendly alternatives to conventional petrochemical-derived plastics in food packaging.

Influence of PVA resin and cross-linking agent on the structure and properties of semi-refined carrageenan-based packaging films

For the high content of carrageenan in some seaweed and the low cost and easy availability of semi refined carrageenan (SRC), SRC resin powder was selected as our research object. Due to its water solubility, a solution casting method was adopted to form film, hoping to prepare food packaging materials that partially replace petroleum based resin. The pure SRC resin casting film is very brittle and cannot be formed. Therefore, 40wt% glycerol was added to the formula to plasticize and improve the flexibility and demoulding ability of SRC. The plasticized SRC film still has limitations. Soluble petroleum based polymer poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) resin was used as a blending modifier, cinnamaldehyde (CIN) as a crosslinking agent for acetal reaction with hydroxyl groups, boric acid (BA) as a provider of acidic environment and an auxiliary agent for generating partial hydrogen bonds with hydroxyl groups. Eight experimental research formulas were designed and FTIR, XRD, thermodynamic properties and mechanical properties of the modified films were analyzed. Both microscopic and macroscopic analyses have shown that under the acidic conditions of BA, CIN undergoes an acetal reaction with SRC and PVA, therefore mass ratio of the formula that SRC/glycerol/PVA/CIN/BA is 100/40/33.3/10/10, the film has the best tensile strength of 34.85Mpa, higher than that of other films. It has been proven that CIN does indeed act as a crosslinking agent in the formula, forming a network structure that enhances it.

The effect of Temperature Drying of Seaweed, Addition of Calcium Hypochlorite, and Potassium Hydroxide on the Quality of Semi-Refined Carrageenan Products

The effect of Temperature Drying of Seaweed, Addition of Calcium Hypochlorite, and Potassium Hydroxide on the Quality of Semi-Refined Carrageenan Products

Fabrication and Characterization of Semi-refined Carrageenan Films Incorporated with TiO2 Nanoparticles

In this study, a packaging film was developed using semi-refined carrageenan, incorporating varying concentrations of TiO2 nanoparticles. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of TiO2 nanoparticles on the properties of the SRC-based film. The films were prepared through a casting method, and the resulting samples were characterized in terms of their functional, mechanical, and physical properties. The SRC film containing 1 wt% of TiO2 nanoparticles demonstrated the highest tensile strength. However, with the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles at any concentrations (1, 3, 5, and 7 wt%), the elongation at break of the SRC film decreased in comparison to the SRC film without TiO2 nanoparticles. Moreover, as the concentration of TiO2 nanoparticles increased from 1 to 7 wt%, the moisture content, and water solubility of the SRC films decreased. The FTIR spectra analysis provided valuable information on the interaction between SRC and TiO2 nanoparticles. The results suggest that incorporating TiO2 nanoparticles into semi-refined carrageenan films shows promise for developing packaging materials with improved mechanical strength and physical performance.

Mechanical properties and antioxidant activity of carrageenan-cellulose nanofiber incorporated butylated hydroxyanisole as active food packaging

Incorporated Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) in biopolymer film is one of strategy to minimize the direct contact of BHA into the food product without limits their function as food preservative. Thus, the aim of this study was to formulate the active packaging film using semi refined carrageenan (SRC) biopolymer plasticized with glycerol (G), reinforced with 10% v/v cellulose nanofiber (CNF) and incorporated antioxidant agent (BHA) with different concentrations (0.1 to 0.4% w/v) as antioxidants. Physical properties, including thickness, opacity, moisture content, and solubility in water, as well as mechanical properties such as tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (EAB) were analyzed. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, morphology, and contact angle measurements were also performed. The results showed that the incorporation of BHA reduced the tensile strength and elongation at break of the active SGC-BHA films. However, the film's solubility, opacity, thickness, and moisture content improved with an increase in BHA concentration. The contact angle results revealed interesting trends, indicating changes in the film's surface properties with increasing BHA concentration. These findings suggest that the new formulation of active films may offer a viable alternative for plastic food packaging. By avoiding direct contact with synthetic preservatives, the films have the potential to extend the shelf life of food products while still providing the benefits of an antioxidant agent.

Exploring the Potential of Seaweed Derivatives for the Development of Biodegradable Plastics: A Comparative Study.

Biodegradable films made from biopolymer materials have the potential to replace conventional plastics, which can reduce waste disposal problems. This study aims to explore the potential of different seaweed derivate films consisting of 2% (w/w) of kappaphycus alverezi (KA), kappa carrageenan (KC), refined carrageenan (RC) and semi-refined carrageenan (SRC) as bio-based materials with 0.9% (w/w) glycerol (G), and reinforced with different concentrations of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) derived from palm waste. A characterization of the glycerol-plasticized seaweed derivatives containing 0, 5, 10, and 15% (v/w) cellulose nanofiber is carried out. The CNFs were studied based on their mechanical, physical and thermal properties including mechanical properties, thickness, moisture content, opacity, water solubility, water vapor permeability and thermal stability. The hydrogen bonding was determined using the DFT calculation generated by Gauss view software version 9.6. The KA + G + 10%CNF film exhibited a surface with slight cracks, roughness, and larger lumps and dents, resulting in inferior mechanical properties (18.50 Mpa), making it unsuitable for biofilm production. The KC + G + 10%CNF film exhibited mechanical properties 24.97 Mpa and water vapor permeability of 1.42311 × 10-11 g s-1 m-1 Pa-1. The RC/G/10%CNF film displayed the highest TS (48.23 MPa) and water vapor permeability (1.4168 × 10-11 g s-1 m-1 Pa-1), but it also had higher solubility in water (66%). In contrast, the SRC + G + 10%CNF film demonstrated excellent mechanical properties (45.98 MPa), low water solubility (42.59%), low water vapor permeability (1.3719 × 10-11 g s-1 m-1 Pa-1), and a high decomposition temperature (250.62 °C) compared to KA, KC and RC. These attributes develop films suitable for various applications, including food packaging with enhanced properties and stability.

Study on bee bread extracts as active ingredients in SGC-Active film for food packaging application

Globally, the adverse effect of synthetic preservatives on human health remains a challenge. Thus, the development of biodegradable active films is a potential step in realizing environmentally-friendly solutions. The objective of this study is to produce biodegradable active films made of semi-refined carrageenan and stingless bee bread extracts [5, 10, and 20 (v/v %)] as natural antioxidants. Moreover, the film stability was improved by adding glycerol and cellulose nanofibers as a plasticizer and reinforcing agents, respectively. The physical and mechanical properties of biodegradable active films were examined with the antioxidant release test. The antioxidant release tests were carried out in 95% of food simulants over 28 storage days with four-day intervals. The Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) results confirm the good compatibility of the bee bread (BB) extracts with the polymer matrix of semi-refined carrageenan, glycerol, and cellulose nanofiber (SGC). In this study, the formulation of active packaging films incorporated with stingless bee bread extracts demonstrated competitive qualities, which implies that it could be a viable alternative to biodegradable films.

Analisis Sistem Agribisnis Rumput Laut di Kabupaten Takalar Provinsi Sulawesi Selatan

Seaweed is one of the most potential commodities in Indonesia which demand tends to increase overtime. Takalar Regency is the main producer of seaweed in South Sulawesi Province and has considerable resource potential in the fisheries sector. This study attempts analyzes portrait of the seaweed agribusiness system strarting from: the upstream subsystem, on-farm subsystem, processing subsystem, marketing subsystem, and supporting subsystem. The analysis used is descriptive, farming analysis, and analysis of the added value of the Hayami method. Determination of respondents using simple random sampling consisting of 33 seaweed cultivators and marketing actors consisting of seven collectors, two wholesalers, one exporter and one processing industry. The results showed that the seaweed agribusiness system still faces problems in both the upstream and downstream subsystems in cultivation equipment that is not environmentally friendly, seed quality, decreased production volume, capital, and institutional roles. Seaweed cultivation is profitable to cultivate with an R /C ratio 2,3. The added value ratio of dodol seaweed is 62.1%, seaweed jam 44,9% and Semi-Refined Carrageenan (SRC) 30,8%. There are five patterns of marketing channels formed from seaweed marketing activities. Seaweed business institutions consist of cultivator groups and cooperatives, and there is a Badan Usaha Milik Desa located in Laikang Village.

Application of brown seaweed-derived agro biostimulant to the commercial farming of the red seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii in India: Growth enhancement and production of quality raw material

Currently global seaweed industries are facing issue with availability of raw material for processing of carrageenan due to low growth of current planting material. Use of biostimulants in seaweed cultivation is recently paid more attention due to their proven biostimulatory effect, of which, Ascophyllum marine plant extract powder (AMPEP) is a well proven biostimulant to improve the growth and quality of Kappaphycus alvarezii biomass. Hence, 500 kg of AMPEP was purchased and studied its impact on the commercial farming of K. alvarezii from April 2018 to January 2022 in India. Vegetative propagule of K. alvarezii were dipped in an AMPEP with concentration range of: 0.025, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25 % for 30, 60, 90 and 120 min. Before out-planting on rafts in shallow coastal water and found that K. alvarezii responded well to a 0.1 % solution with dipping time of 60 min. The percentage of average daily growth rate (ADGR%) of AMPEP-treated plant in a 45 d grow out period was 3.50 ± 0.50 % vs a control of 1.75 ± 0.25 % for the summer and pre-monsoon months (p < 0.05) but no statistically significant differences between the treated and control plants were found during the rainy and winter seasons. Treated plants were found with low incidence of epiphytes, and disease as compared to control plants. The general appearance and health of treated Kappaphycus was good with significant differences in the yield and quality of semi-refined carrageenan (SRC) and dry weed quality (p < 0.05). The cost of AMPEP for producing of additional 1 kg of dry Kappaphycus was 0.066USD. Results of the present study is very encouraging and AMPEP can be used for the production of K. alvarezii biomass for industrial and biorefinery processing as it has been witnessed that there was 16.66 % increase in biomass production in 2021in India.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of semi-refined carrageenan for cats and dogs (Gel Systems Ltd.).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of semi-refined carrageenan as a feed additive for cats and dogs. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that semi-refined carrageenan was safe for dogs at 6,000mg/kg final wet feed (with about 20% dry matter). This would correspond to 26,400mg semi-refined carrageenan/kg complete feed (with 88% dry matter). In the absence of specific data, the maximum concentration of the additive considered safe for cats was 750mg semi-refined carrageenan/kg final wet feed, corresponding to 3,300mg semi-refined carrageenan/kg complete feed (with 88% dry matter). In the absence of data, the FEEDAP Panel was not in the position to conclude on the safety of carrageenan for the user. The additive under assessment is intended to be used in dogs and cats only. No environmental risk assessment was considered necessary for such use. The FEEDAP Panel was not in the position to conclude on the efficacy of semi-refined carrageenan as a gelling agent, thickener and stabiliser in feed for cats and dogs at the proposed conditions of use.

Formulation and Evaluation of Lime Peel Extract (Citrus aurantiifolia) Gel with Semi-Refined Carrageenan and Glucomannan as Gelling Agent

Lime peel extract contains quercetin with sunscreen activity. It could make into gel preparations, which has a transparent semisolid and generally gives a cooling sensation to the skin. A combination of semi-refined carrageenan and glucomannan as a gelling agent can be an alternative to form the strength and elasticity of the gel mass. This study aimed to determine the effect of concentration variations of gelling agents on the physical evaluation of gel preparation results and the optimal formulation for lime peel extract gel as sunscreen. Lime peel extract would make into gel preparation with variations in the concentration of the gelling agent, which are 1%, 1.25%, 1.5%, and 1.75%. Afterward, the physical evaluation included organoleptic, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, spreadability, and adhesion tests. The organoleptic, homogeneity, pH, and adhesion test results show that all formulations meet the requirements. Viscosity test results obtain the best formula III with 3940,00 cPs at 60 rpm . The results of the dispersibility test show the best formulas I and II with 6,10 cm and 5,50 cm. Based on the data analyzed, variations of gelling agents affect the pH, viscosity, spreadability, and adhesion test results. The optimal lime peel extract gel formulation has not defined from the physical evaluation results.

Coastal Communities’ Empowerment through Seaweed (Eucheuma cottoni): Potency, Suitability, and Local Participation

Indonesia is the largest producer of seaweed contributed by coastal communities, but they still live in precarious conditions. To bolster the seaweed cultivation and alleviate poverty, a coastal community’s empowerment was studied in Salabangka archipelagoes through the evaluation of its largely produced seaweed (Eucheuma cottoni) potency (total production and investment opportunities), suitability for seaweed cultivation (environmental parameter and suitability), and local participation (interviews) in 2011. Seaweed production in Salabangka archipelagoes was estimated from 2009 to 2010 data. For the investment opportunities of seaweed cultivation, initial investments were assessed for the medium-scale semi refined carrageenan (SRC) model and the Carrageenan industry model. Subsequently, the profit and loss were projected for the upcoming five years. To estimate the investment qualification, several criteria were used, i.e., Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate Return (IRR), Net Benefit Ratio (Net B/C), Pay Back Period (PBP), and Profitability Index Methods (PI). The factors that influence the local participation and perceptions of coastal communities in Salabangka archipelagoes were analyzed based on the degree of perception and participation obtained from interviews in substation sites. The seaweed potency reveals a good prospect indicated by the increase of seaweed production and profitable investment. The environmental condition and qualifications support the suitable habitat for seaweed cultivation. Local participation shows a good indication of the support of the coastal communities. In the future, the government must secure the policy, allocate funding, and forge a partnership with the local bank to bolster the seaweed cultivation in the Salabangka archipelagoes.

Economic Feasibility Analysis, Value Added and Marketing of Semi Refined Carrageenan (SRC) Seaweed Processing Industry

Dried seaweed produced by the community in three districts (Morowali, Parigi, and Bangkep) is the final product at the level of seaweed cultivators. They do not yet know about processing seaweed into SRC or gelatin. The research was conducted in Central Sulawesi Province by taking data on the 3 largest seaweed producing districts, namely Banggai Islands Regency, Morowali Regency and Parimo Regency. The main objective of this research is to formulate a strategic plan for the management of seaweed agribusiness through SRC agroindustry and to make it community-based in Central Sulawesi Province. The specific objectives include: Estimating land potential and seaweed production in Bangkep, Morowali, and Parimo Districts, Analyzing the land suitability of locations that are centers of seaweed cultivation in Bangkep, Morowali, and Parimo Districts, Analyzing the economic feasibility of SRC agro-industry and To be medium-scale, to develop a strategy for managing seaweed agribusiness through SRC agro-industry and agar in Central Sulawesi Province, and to empower communities through mentoring in SRC processing training and for the community, especially seaweed cultivators in Bangkep Regency, Morowali Regency and Parimo Regency. The need for primary data on water quality, potential and seaweed production is carried out by survey method by taking samples directly in the field by purposive sampling, namely sampling with certain considerations, sampling only at the cultivation location and simple random sampling, namely taking sample members. from the population randomly without regard to strata and is considered homogeneous in the population. The business feasibility analysis data, seaweed processing technology, and socio-economic data were carried out by direct interviews with structured questionnaires.

Economic Feasibility Analysis, Value Added and Marketing of Semi Refined Carrageenan (SRC) Seaweed Processing Industry

Dried seaweed produced by the community in three districts (Morowali, Parigi, and Bangkep) is the final product at the level of seaweed cultivators. They do not yet know about processing seaweed into SRC or gelatin. The research was conducted in Central Sulawesi Province by taking data on the 3 largest seaweed producing districts, namely Banggai Islands Regency, Morowali Regency and Parimo Regency. The main objective of this research is to formulate a strategic plan for the management of seaweed agribusiness through SRC agroindustry and to make it community-based in Central Sulawesi Province. The specific objectives include: Estimating land potential and seaweed production in Bangkep, Morowali, and Parimo Districts, Analyzing the land suitability of locations that are centers of seaweed cultivation in Bangkep, Morowali, and Parimo Districts, Analyzing the economic feasibility of SRC agro-industry and To be medium-scale, to develop a strategy for managing seaweed agribusiness through SRC agro-industry and agar in Central Sulawesi Province, and to empower communities through mentoring in SRC processing training and for the community, especially seaweed cultivators in Bangkep Regency, Morowali Regency and Parimo Regency. The need for primary data on water quality, potential and seaweed production is carried out by survey method by taking samples directly in the field by purposive sampling, namely sampling with certain considerations, sampling only at the cultivation location and simple random sampling, namely taking sample members. from the population randomly without regard to strata and is considered homogeneous in the population. The business feasibility analysis data, seaweed processing technology, and socio-economic data were carried out by direct interviews with structured questionnaires.

Growth and Carrageenan Quality of Sporophyte and Gametophyte of the Commercially Important Red Seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii

One dilemma facing the farming of the carrageenophyte Kappaphycus is the deteriorating quality of seedstock. Rejuvenating the commercial stocks using spores from reproductive wild parents that are sexually and asexually produced could perhaps restore the traits that are useful for culture. The use of gametophyte and sporophyte (=tetrasporophyte) phases of Kappaphycus alvarezii from spores is explored as a source of seedstock. The growth and physical properties of semi-refined carrageenan extracted from the resulting sporophyte and gametophyte thalli of the same ages were determined. The growth rate of the diploid tetrasporophyte thalli was significantly higher than that of the haploid gametophyte. Gel strength and yield of semi-refined carrageenan from the two life cycle phases were not significantly different, whereas the viscosity was significantly higher in the diploid tissues. Kappaphycus sporophytes were potentially superior to gametophytes as a source of seedstock for mariculture, but problems need to be addressed – including improving the growth rate and reducing the cost of production – before its application could be realized.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of carrageenan for pets and other non-food-producing animals (Marinalg International).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of carrageenan as a feed additive for pets and other non‐food‐producing animals. The additive is manufactured in two forms, refined and semi‐refined carrageenan. Owing the lack of information, the FEEDAP Panel is not in the position to conclude on safety of the additives for pets and other non‐food‐producing animals and for the user. The FEEDAP Panel concludes that the additive is efficacious as a gelling agent, thickener and contributes to stabilise canned pet feed. No conclusion can be drawn on the efficacy of the additive as a binder and emulsifier.

Semi-refined carrageenan induces eryptosis in a Ca&lt;sup&gt;2+&lt;/sup&gt;-dependent manner

Background: Semi-refined carrageenan (food additive E407a) is a widely used thickener, which has been reported to exert toxic and pro-inflammatory effects. In particular, there is accumulating evidence that it induces eryptosis, i.e. a programmed cell death of eryptocytes, via ROS-mediated pathways. However, the role of Ca2+-dependent mechanisms in E407a-induced eryptosis is not elucidated. Material and methods: Semi-refined carrageenan at concentrations of 0 mg/ml, 1 mg/ml, 5 mg/ml and 10 mg/ml was incubated with blood of intact female WAG rats (n=9) for 24 h in RPMI and fetal bovine serum. After 24 h, the samples were used to obtain erythrocyte suspensions. The obtained suspensions were stained with a Ca2+-sensitive FLUO4 AM probe (30 min, 2.5 µM). The fluorescence of FLUO4 in erythrocytes was detected by a BD FACSCanto II flow cytometer. Results: The intracellular Ca2+ levels are proportional to the fluorescence of FLUO4. The mean fluorescence intensities (MFI) were compared. Low levels (1 mg/ml) of E407a had no impact on Ca2+ concentrations in erythrocytes (p>0.05). On the contrary, high concentrations (5 mg/ml and 10 mg/ml) of this food additive promoted an increase in the intracellular Ca2+ levels. The MFI values were 2.3- and 2.5-fold higher, respectively (p<0.0001). In addition, the exposure to E407a at concentrations of 5 mg/ml and 10 mg/ml (p<0.0001) increased the percentage of cells with high FLUO4 fluorescence. Conclusion: Food additive E407a induces eryptosis in a Ca2+-dependent manner.