Furcelleran is a hydrocolloid obtained by extraction with water or aqueous alkali of Furcellariafastigiata of the class Rhodophyceae (red seaweeds). It consists mainly of the potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, and ammonium sulfate esters of galactose and 3,6-anhydrogalactose copolymers. These hexoses are alternately linked α-1,3 and P-1,4 in the polymer. The relative proportion of cations existing in Furcelleran may be changed during processing to the extent that one may become predominant.
The ester sulfate content of furcelleran ranges from 8% to 20%. In addition, it contains inorganic salts that originate from the seaweed and the process of recovery from the extract. Furcelleran is recovered by alcohol precipitation, potassium precipitation, or by freezing. The alcohols used during recovery and purification are restricted to methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol.
Furcelleran is a brownish or tan to white, coarse to fine powder that is practically odorless and has a mucilaginous taste. It is soluble in water at a temperature of about 80°C, forming a viscous, clear or slightly opalescent solution that flows readily. It disperses in water more readily if first moistened with alcohol, glycerin, or a saturated solution of sucrose in water.
Seaweed gum (a natural phycocolloid) available as an odorless white powder, soluble in warm water. It form gels at low concentrations. Reputed to be more stable to heat and acids than other vegetable gums. Available in the form of salts.
Furcellaran can be used as natural colloid, gelling agent, viscosity control agent used primarily in food products but also in pharmaceuticals. Also in products for diabetics, proprietaries for reducing excess body wt, toothpastes. As carrier for food preservatives, bactericides. In bacteriological culture media.
Furcelleran is a gum that is the extract of the red alga furcellaria fastigiata. It swells in cold water and requires heating to 75–80°c for solubilization. It forms thermoreversible gels after heating and cooling and has properties between agar and carrageenan. It is also termed danish agar. It is used in milk puddings, flans, jelly, jam, and gelled meat products.
Furcellaria fmtigiata, a type of algae harvested in Denmark is called Danish agar.
Moderately toxic by
ingestion, When heated to decomposition it
emits acrid smoke and fumes.
