Dosage of carrageenans E407

Carrageenan (E407) levels are measured to control the content and conformity of these natural polysaccharides extracted from red algae. Used as gelling, thickening, and stabilizing agents, carrageenans play a vital role in the texture and stability of food, nutraceutical, and cosmetic products. Their analysis is crucial for verifying the quality of formulations and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.

The evaluation of the concentration of E407 is carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), depending on the matrix and sensitivity requirements.

Principle and operation of the method

Carrageenans are sulfated polysaccharides composed of galactose and anhydrogalactose. Their quantification requires prior extraction from the matrix, followed by quantitative and qualitative analysis.
HPLC allows the separation of different carrageenan types (κ-, ι-, λ-) according to their chemical structure and molecular weight. GC-MS is used to identify the constituent units after hydrolysis, while FTIR enables rapid analysis of the functional profile, useful for compliance verification or adulteration detection.

The results are expressed in mg/g or as a percentage of dry matter, and compared to certified standards to ensure traceability and regulatory compliance of E407 according to European standards.

Analytical performance and related analyses

Combined HPLC, GC-MS, and FTIR techniques ensure high accuracy in the determination of carrageenans, even at low concentrations. These methods are suitable for a wide variety of matrices: food gels, dairy products, seaweed extracts, beverages, nutritional supplements, and processed products.

For a complete profile of the additives and polysaccharides present in a formulation, this analysis can be supplemented by:

• the dosage of vegetable gums (E410, E412, E415),
• the measurement of total polysaccharides,
• the dosage of dietary fiber,
• or even the dosage of simple and complex sugars.

These additional analyses allow for a better understanding of the overall composition of a product and for controlling its texturizing and nutritional properties.

Applications and areas of use

The dosage of carrageenan E407 is applied in several sectors:

• Human food : quality control of dairy products, desserts, sauces, jellies and cured meats to guarantee the desired stability and texture.
• Nutraceuticals : verification of the purity and regulatory compliance of seaweed extracts used as additives or texturizing agents in food supplements.
• Animal nutrition : evaluation of the presence of algae polysaccharides in animal formulations and their impact on digestibility.
• Plants and biotechnology : characterization of polysaccharide extracts in research on biomaterials or natural ingredients with added value.

These analyses are part of a broader range of YesWeLab services, including the measurement of food additives , contaminant control, and the characterization of functional ingredients.

The advantages of the YesWeLab service

YesWeLab collaborates with a network of partner laboratories specializing in physicochemical and regulatory analyses, certified and accredited according to ISO 17025 and COFRAC standards. Each project is assigned to a laboratory selected based on analytical requirements, matrix type, and applicable regulations.

Thanks to its digital analysis management platform, YesWeLab simplifies quote requests, sample tracking, and results delivery. Since 2020, numerous manufacturers, formulators, and engineering firms have relied on our expertise to guarantee the conformity and quality of their products.

For any specific request regarding the dosage of carrageenan E407, contact our scientific team to obtain a personalized quote and support tailored to your analytical objectives.