Carrageenan is a naturally derived polysaccharide obtained from certain species of red seaweed. It is widely used as a pharmaceutical excipient because of its gelling, thickening, stabilizing, suspending, and film-forming properties.
Carrageenan can be incorporated into pharmaceutical formulations where controlled viscosity, texture, suspension stability, and gel formation are required. Different carrageenan types, including κ-carrageenan, ι-carrageenan, and λ-carrageenan, provide different functional characteristics and are selected according to formulation requirements.
Carrageenan consists mainly of sulfated galactose-based polysaccharides. Its functional properties depend on the type of carrageenan, degree of sulfation, molecular structure, processing method, and formulation environment.
In pharmaceutical applications, Carrageenan can function as a gelling agent, thickener, stabilizer, suspending agent, and film-forming excipient.
Carrageenan may be used in:
Carrageenan provides:
Pharmaceutical-grade Carrageenan should be tested according to the applicable pharmacopoeial and manufacturer specifications. Depending on grade, testing may include:
Because Carrageenan is a naturally sourced material and specifications vary by type and grade, final numerical acceptance criteria should be taken from the applicable product specification or CoA.
Swapnroop provides Carrageenan for pharmaceutical formulation applications with an emphasis on consistent quality, appropriate specifications, batch control, and documentation support.
Carrageenan can be supplied for applications involving gelling, thickening, suspension stabilization, viscosity modification, and film formation.
Carrageenan should be stored in tightly closed packaging in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area, protected from moisture, excessive heat, direct sunlight, and contamination.
Packaging sizes can be provided according to customer and formulation requirements.
Available documentation may include:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | white to off-white crystalline powder |