Optimized Alkaline Extraction and Functional Characterization of Carrageenan from Eucheuma perplexum Using Response Surface Methodology

Seaweeds are increasingly valued in the food industry for their bioactive compounds, mainly hydrocolloids like carrageenan. This study investigates E. perplexum, a red seaweed, as a unique and sustainable source of carrageenan with promising functional properties. Using response surface methodology (RSM), the extraction process was optimized through alkaline extraction, identifying optimal conditions of 85 ◦C for 3 h with 2.58 M KOH, which yielded 77.10% carrageenan. The extracted carrageenan...