Extraction et valorisation d’un biopolymère de rhodophycées à des fins pharma-cosmétiques
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Date
2025-06
Authors
Lakehal Hiba
Lefkir Maroua
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Abstract
Marine algae are a biological resource rich in bioactive compounds with interesting functional properties. Among them, red algae (Rhodophyceae) are particularly valued for their content of carrageenan, a sulfated polysaccharide with gelling, thickening, and stabilizing properties, widely used in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries.
This study focuses on the valorization of two local species, Chondrus crispus and Hypnea musciformis, harvested from the beach of Aïn Benian, as sources of carrageenan intended for cosmetic applications. Extraction was carried out using an alkaline method, followed by characterization of the biopolymer through solubility tests, the Dubois colorimetric assay, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and an evaluation of its hydrogel-forming capacity. The extracted carrageenan was then incorporated as a stabilizing agent in the formulation of a natural lip balm. Microbiological analyses and a skin irritation test were conducted to assess the safety of the final product. The results highlight the effectiveness of the extracted biopolymer and confirm the potential of these two algal species as reliable and efficient sources of marine polysaccharides for various applications