| Phycocolloids are colloids derived from seaweeds. These phycocolloids are a non-crystalline substance with many uses in our everyday lives.
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Types of Phycocolloids |
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The 3 major types of phycocolloids that we use in our everyday lives our agar, carrageenan, and alginate. These phycocolloids are all derived from different types of algae.
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Agar |
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Agar phycocolloids are derived from red seaweed generas, such as Gelidium, Ahnfeltia, Pterocladia, Gelidiella, Acanthopeltis, and Gracilaria. Agar is the most potent gel-forming agent out of the three. Agar gels have the ability to bind proteins and withstand high temperatures. |
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Carrageenan |
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Carageenan is derived from the red algae groups Chondrus crispus, Gigartina stellata, Eucheuma, Phyllophora, Iridea, and Gigartina. Carageenans retain a strong negative charge over the normal pH range.
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Algin |
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Alginates are derived from brown algae groups, such as Macrocystis, Nereocystis, Sargassum, Fucus, Ascophyllum, Laminaria, and Ecklonia. Algins are generally derived from colder areas. Algin has the holding, gelling, emulsifying, and stablishing functions of water.
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Phycocolloid Uses |
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Dairy
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Non-Dairy |
Industrial |
Medical |
Pharmaceuticals |
Cheeses Whipped Toppings Milk Custards Puddings Ice Cream Yogurt Evaporated Milk
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Jellies Jams Frozen Foods Syrups Relishes Fruit Juices Salad Dressings Candies Jello
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Air Freshener Gels Welding Rods Explosives Adhesives Shoe Polish Paints Impressions
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Ointments Capsules Anti-coagulants Dental Impressions Ulcer Medicine
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Lotions Cosmetics Toothpaste Laxatives Soaps
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Related Links |
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Fisheries Department of the Corporate Document Repository. Explanation of Phycocolloids and the different types. |
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UWC's Botany Website. Uses and types of phycocolloids |
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Manhattan University's website on the five Kingdoms. Information on Kingdom Protoctista and the types of phycocolloids included in that kingdom. |
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