OPTIMIZATION OF CARRAGEENAN EXTRACTION FROM KAPPAPHYCUS ALVAREZII SEAWEED USING A FACTORIAL DESIGN STUDY

Authors

  • Azren Aida Asmawi Faculty of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, MAHSA University, Bandar Saujana Putra, Jenjarom, Selangor 42610, Malaysia
  • Muhammad Alif Farhan Mohd Yusof Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Gambang 26300, Pahang, Malaysia
  • Muhammad Amirul Husni Abdul Hadi Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Gambang 26300, Pahang, Malaysia
  • Khadijah Husna Abd Hamid Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Gambang 26300, Pahang, Malaysia
  • Badhrulhisham Abdul Aziz Earth Resources and Sustainability (ERAS) Centre, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Gambang 26300, Pahang, Malaysia
  • Nurul Aini Mohd Azman Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Gambang 26300, Pahang, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11113/jurnalteknologi.v88.22188

Keywords:

Seaweed, carrageenan, Kappaphycus alvarezii, extraction, factorial design

Abstract

Carrageenan is a sulfated polysaccharide extracted from seaweeds and is pivotal in various industries due to its gelling, thickening, and stabilizing properties. Despite its widespread use, the efficiency of carrageenan extraction significantly influences its quality and market value. This study aims to optimize the extraction process of semi-refined carrageenan from Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed using a factorial design method, focusing on maximizing yield and film characteristics while maintaining process sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Two process parameters with optimal mechanical properties (OPT 1) and yield (OPT 2) were selected based on the predictive model generated by the factorial design analysis. The results showed that soaking time positively influences gel strength, whereas prolonged extraction time reduces gel strength. Higher extraction temperatures increase gel viscosity, whereas increased KOH concentration and extraction times lower viscosity due to structural breakdown. Besides, OPT 1 and OPT 2 film analyses show tensile strengths of 34.40 MPa and 34.52 MPa, respectively, with superior flexibility, and elongation at a break (EAB) of 31.30% outperforming commercial films (19.18%). These results highlight the films' balance of durability and adaptability, positioning them as viable and sustainable packaging alternatives.

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Published

2025-12-23

Issue

Vol. 88 No. 1: January 2026

Section

Science and Engineering

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