Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Alginate Extracted from Sargassum sp

Abstract

Scientists have proved alginate which is extracted from brown seaweed, to be able to reduce blood glucose levels in mice. These results indicate that alginate has health benefits. Sargassum sp. is a brown seaweed growing wildly in Indonesian waters and is considered a prospective source of alginate to be developed and used for various purposes. This study aimed to explore the potency of alginate production using Sargassum sp. as raw material, particularly to reveal the physical and chemical properties of alginate obtained. Alginate was extracted using a method developed by Ref. [1]. During the extraction process, alginate yield was determined. The alginate was analyzed for physical parameters (whiteness degree and viscosity) and chemical parameters (moisture content, acid insoluble ash content, ash content, fat content, and protein content). Results showed that the yield of alginate was 20.30%. The whiteness degree and viscosity values of alginate were -31.53 and 47.25 cPs, respectively. At the same time, the moisture content, insoluble acid content, ash content, fat content, and protein content of alginate were 11.76%, 2.28%, 27.55%, 0.18%, and 0.76%, correspondingly. The alginate was classified as low viscosity and suitable for processing various foods, including functional food, by taking the health benefits of alginate.