Isolation and characterization of kappa carrageenan from hypnea musciformis (red algae)‎ of karachi coast

Abstract EN

Hypnea musciformis collected from Karachi coast of Pakistan was used for isolation of a thickening and emulsifying agent “Carrageenan”.

Various extraction procedures (extraction 1-6) were employed and the yield of carrageenan obtained was in the range 34-44%.

Total sugar was found 31.8-55.4%, 3, 6-anhydrogalactose of total sugar was in the range of 19.9-27.6%.

Sulphate and ash content were high 14.8-4 %and 15.4-53% respectively.

The positive rotation of these polysaccharides indicated a predominance of α-D glycosidic linkages in their structure.

IR spectral studies showed kappa carrageenan as major phycolloid with a very small contaminant of iota type carrageenan, λ type was not detected.

Polysaccharide obtained showed a positive elicitor activity in Garden Peas (Pisum sativum).

HPLC analysis provided a single major component.