iotacarrageenan
Iota-carrageenan is a sulfated polysaccharide in the carrageenan family derived from red seaweeds. It is one of several related polysaccharides (including kappa- and lambda-carrageenan) distinguished by sulfate patterns and gelling behavior. Iota-carrageenan is typically extracted from species of red seaweed such as Hypnea and Gigartina and processed into food-grade or pharmaceutical-grade carrageenan for use as a thickener, stabilizer, and gelling agent.
In solution, iota-carrageenan carries multiple sulfate groups, giving it a strong negative charge. It forms gels
Applications of iota-carrageenan span food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. In the food industry, it is used to
Safety and regulation: In foods, iota-carrageenan is approved as a food additive (often listed as E407) in