Biochemical reagent
Carrageenan does not have a defined pharmacological target. It is a polysaccharide used primarily as a food additive and pharmaceutical excipient. Carrageenan induces inflammation when injected and has immunomodulatory properties. Its mechanism of action in biological systems involves interaction with immune cells and activation of inflammatory pathways.

This study investigates the extract of the bioactive compounds from green coffee extract (GCE) and the loading of two different concentrations of GCE (1% and 2%) onto carrageenan nanogels (CAR NGs) to compare their antibacterial and antibiofilm effects with unloaded nanogels (NGs). The bioactive compounds of GCE were characterized using GC-MS analysis. The GCE1 and GCE2 were successfully deposited onto the surface of CAR NGs. The antibacterial and antibiofilm potential of prepared NGs were conducted against some foodborne pathogens (E. coli O157, Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes). The results of GC-MS analysis indicated that there were identified 16 bioactive compounds in GCE, including caffeine (36.27%), Dodemorph (9.04%), and D-Glycero-d-ido-heptose (2.44%), contributing to its antimicrobial properties. The antibacterial coatings demonstrated a notable antimicrobial effect, showing zone of inhibition (ZOI) diameters of up to 37 mm for GCE2 loaded CAR NGs. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for GCE2 loaded CAR NGs were 80 ppm for E. coli O157, and 120 ppm for S. enterica, S. aureus, and L. monocytogenes, achieving complete bacterial inactivation within 10-15 min of exposure. Both GCE1 and GCE2 loaded CAR NGs significantly reduced biofilm cell densities on stainless steel (SS) materials for E. coli O157, S. enterica, S. aureus, and L. monocytogenes, with reductions ranging from 60% to 95%. Specifically, biofilm densities were reduced by up to 95% for E. coli O157, 89% for S. enterica, 85% for S. aureus, and 80% for L. monocytogenes. Results of the toxicity evaluation indicated that the NGs were non-toxic and biocompatible, with predicted EC50 values proved their biocompatibility and safety. These results recommended that GCE loaded CAR NGs are promising as natural antimicrobial agents for enhancing food safety and extending shelf life. Further, the study concluded that incorporating GCE into CAR NGs is an effective strategy for developing sustainable antimicrobial coatings for the food industry and manufacturing[1].

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In vitro, carrageenan is used as a biochemical reagent and research tool. It is commonly used to induce inflammation in cell culture models. Carrageenan stimulates the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in macrophages. The compound is also used as a gelling agent in cell culture media and as a stabilizer in various formulations.

Carrageenan can be used in tuberculosis, coughs, bronchitis, and intestinal problems, usually in the form of a decoction of the seaweed. Carrageenan, both in the degraded (molecular weight greater than or equal to 20,000) and undegraded forms, has been reported to alleviate peptic and duodenal ulcers in humans.

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In vivo, carrageenan is widely used as a phlogistic agent to induce inflammation in animal models, particularly in the rat paw edema model for screening anti-inflammatory drugs. The compound induces acute inflammation characterized by edema, hyperalgesia, and leukocyte infiltration. Carrageenan is also used as a food additive and is generally recognized as safe for human consumption.

For in vitro inflammation assays, carrageenan is used to stimulate immune cells such as macrophages. Cells are treated with carrageenan at various concentrations (typically 10-1000 µg/mL) for 6-24 hours. Cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) is measured by ELISA. NF-κB activation can be assessed using reporter gene assays or by detecting nuclear translocation of NF-κB subunits.

For in vitro cell-based experiments, carrageenan can also be used to study its effects on cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. The compound's biocompatibility and potential cytotoxicity are assessed using standard cell viability assays such as MTT or resazurin-based assays.

In vivo animal studies using carrageenan are typically conducted in the rat paw edema model. Rats are injected with carrageenan (0.5-1% solution) into the subplantar region of the hind paw, and paw volume is measured using a plethysmometer at various time points (1-6 hours). The increase in paw volume is used as a measure of inflammation. Anti-inflammatory drugs are evaluated by their ability to reduce carrageenan-induced edema.

Absorption, Distribution and Excretion
In guinea pigs, the natural form of carrageenan is not absorbed. After adding 1.85 g of degraded carrageenan to drinking water, no concentration of approximately 0.3 mg/mL of degraded carrageenan was detected in the urine. After intravenous injection of 4–15 mg/kg body weight of degraded carrageenan, no concentration of degraded carrageenan between 0.03 and 0.3 mg/mL was detected in the urine. Adding 2–20% natural carrageenan to the diet of young rats resulted in quantitative excretion of carrageenan in feces. Adding 1% natural carrageenan to the drinking water of rhesus monkeys for 7–11 days showed no storage of carrageenan. A recovery period followed by 24 weeks ensued. In contrast, degraded carrageenan, after absorption by reticuloendothelial tissue, remained in Kupffer cells and was still detectable 6 months after administration.

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Metabolisms/Metabolites
Carrageenan inhibits pepsin activity in vitro. Its degraded form (non-viscosity), as well as its low-viscosity and high-viscosity forms, all exhibit anti-proteolytic activity against papain in vitro.

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Pharmacokinetic properties of carrageenan are not applicable, as it is a high-molecular-weight polysaccharide that is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. When used as a food additive, it passes through the digestive system largely intact. When injected, it is locally retained and induces inflammation before being cleared by macrophages.

Interactions
It has been reported that daily subconjunctival injection or instillation of thiotepa oil drops delayed corneal vascularization in carrageenan-treated guinea pigs, but did not prevent it.
In rats pretreated with indomethacin, injection of prostaglandin E1 and carrageenan enhanced carrageenan-induced paw edema. The effect was most pronounced when PGE1 was injected together with carrageenan. PMID: 7384537
Carrageenan inhibited ristromycin-induced human platelet aggregation in vitro.

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Non-human toxicity value: LDL0 Guinea pig intravenous injection 20 mg/kg

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Interactions
It has been reported that daily subconjunctival injection or instillation of thiotepa oil drops delayed corneal vascularization in carrageenan-treated guinea pigs, but did not prevent it.
In rats pretreated with indomethacin, injection of prostaglandin E1 and carrageenan enhanced carrageenan-induced paw edema. The effect of PGE1 was most significant when injected co-administered with carrageenan. Carrageenan inhibited ristromycin-induced human platelet aggregation in vitro. In 256 Wistar rats, a single intrapleural injection of UICC crocidolite was administered into the right pleura to induce mesothelioma. Subsequently, they were injected intrapleurally with carrageenan. The incidence of mesothelioma increased threefold in the carrageenan-treated group. Non-human toxicity values: LDL 0. Guinea pigs administered 20 mg/kg intravenously.

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Carrageenan is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use as a food additive. When injected, it induces acute inflammation. The compound may cause skin and eye irritation. Specific LD₅₀ values for carrageenan are not applicable due to its low oral toxicity. Standard laboratory safety practices should be followed when handling the compound.

[1]. Fabrication of smart nanogel based on carrageenan and green coffee extract as a long-term antifouling agent to improve biofilm prevention in food production. Food Chem . 2024 Dec 15:461:140719.

mixture of water-soluble extracts of sulfated polysaccharides derived from red algae. The main sources are Chondrus crispus (also known as carrageenan) and Gigartina stellata. It is used as a stabilizer in chocolate production to suspend cocoa powder, and in clarifying beverages.
Therapeutic Uses

Traditional Medicine: ...used to treat tuberculosis, cough, bronchitis, and intestinal diseases, usually in the form of seaweed decoctions.
It has been reported that both degraded (molecular weight greater than or equal to 20,000) and undegraded carrageenan can alleviate peptic ulcers and duodenal ulcers in humans.

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Carrageenan (CAS 9000-07-1) is a food additive and research reagent, not an FDA-approved pharmaceutical drug. Its primary applications are as a gelling, thickening, and stabilizing agent in food and pharmaceutical products, and as a phlogistic agent for inducing inflammation in animal models for anti-inflammatory drug screening.

550.084

9000-07-1

71597331

White to off-white solid powder

3

10

5

36

647

2

[Zn+2].CC([O-])=O.CC([O-])=O.N#CC1C=CC(NC(N[C@H]2C[C@H]2C2=C(F)C=CC(C(CC)=O)=C2O)=O)=NC=1

UHVMMEOXYDMDKI-JKYCWFKZSA-L

InChI=1S/C19H17FN4O3.2C2H4O2.Zn/c1-2-15(25)11-4-5-13(20)17(18(11)26)12-7-14(12)23-19(27)24-16-6-3-10(8-21)9-22-16;2*1-2(3)4;/h3-6,9,12,14,26H,2,7H2,1H3,(H2,22,23,24,27);2*1H3,(H,3,4);/q;;;+2/p-2/t12-,14+;;;/m1.../s1

zinc;1-(5-cyanopyridin-2-yl)-3-[(1S,2S)-2-(6-fluoro-2-hydroxy-3-propanoylphenyl)cyclopropyl]urea;diacetate

9000-07-1; G72751

2934.99.9001

Powder      -20°C    3 years

                     4°C     2 years

In solvent   -80°C    6 months

                  -20°C    1 month

Note: This product requires protection from light (avoid light exposure) during transportation and storage.

Room temperature (This product is stable at ambient temperature for a few days during ordinary shipping and time spent in Customs)

H2O: 3.33 mg/mL

Note: Listed below are some common formulations that may be used to formulate products with low water solubility (e.g. < 1 mg/mL), you may test these formulations using a minute amount of products to avoid loss of samples.

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Injection Formulation 1: DMSO : Tween 80： Saline = 10 : 5 : 85 (i.e. 100 μL DMSO stock solution → 50 μL Tween 80 → 850 μL Saline)
*Preparation of saline: Dissolve 0.9 g of sodium chloride in 100 mL ddH ₂ O to obtain a clear solution.
Injection Formulation 2: DMSO : PEG300 ：Tween 80 : Saline = 10 : 40 : 5 : 45 (i.e. 100 μL DMSO → 400 μLPEG300 → 50 μL Tween 80 → 450 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 3: DMSO : Corn oil = 10 : 90 (i.e. 100 μL DMSO → 900 μL Corn oil)
Example: Take the Injection Formulation 3 (DMSO : Corn oil = 10 : 90) as an example, if 1 mL of 2.5 mg/mL working solution is to be prepared, you can take 100 μL 25 mg/mL DMSO stock solution and add to 900 μL corn oil, mix well to obtain a clear or suspension solution (2.5 mg/mL, ready for use in animals).

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Injection Formulation 4: DMSO : 20% SBE-β-CD in saline = 10 : 90 [i.e. 100 μL DMSO → 900 μL (20% SBE-β-CD in saline)]
*Preparation of 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline (4°C，1 week): Dissolve 2 g SBE-β-CD in 10 mL saline to obtain a clear solution.
Injection Formulation 5: 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin : Saline = 50 : 50 (i.e. 500 μL 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin → 500 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 6: DMSO : PEG300 : castor oil : Saline = 5 : 10 : 20 : 65 (i.e. 50 μL DMSO → 100 μLPEG300 → 200 μL castor oil → 650 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 7: Ethanol : Cremophor : Saline = 10： 10 : 80 (i.e. 100 μL Ethanol → 100 μL Cremophor → 800 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 8: Dissolve in Cremophor/Ethanol (50 : 50), then diluted by Saline
Injection Formulation 9: EtOH : Corn oil = 10 : 90 (i.e. 100 μL EtOH → 900 μL Corn oil)
Injection Formulation 10: EtOH : PEG300：Tween 80 : Saline = 10 : 40 : 5 : 45 (i.e. 100 μL EtOH → 400 μLPEG300 → 50 μL Tween 80 → 450 μL Saline)

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Oral Formulation 1: Suspend in 0.5% CMC Na (carboxymethylcellulose sodium)
Oral Formulation 2: Suspend in 0.5% Carboxymethyl cellulose
Example: Take the Oral Formulation 1 (Suspend in 0.5% CMC Na) as an example, if 100 mL of 2.5 mg/mL working solution is to be prepared, you can first prepare 0.5% CMC Na solution by measuring 0.5 g CMC Na and dissolve it in 100 mL ddH2O to obtain a clear solution; then add 250 mg of the product to 100 mL 0.5% CMC Na solution, to make the suspension solution (2.5 mg/mL, ready for use in animals).

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Oral Formulation 3: Dissolved in PEG400
Oral Formulation 4: Suspend in 0.2% Carboxymethyl cellulose
Oral Formulation 5: Dissolve in 0.25% Tween 80 and 0.5% Carboxymethyl cellulose
Oral Formulation 6: Mixing with food powders

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Note: Please be aware that the above formulations are for reference only. InvivoChem strongly recommends customers to read literature methods/protocols carefully before determining which formulation you should use for in vivo studies, as different compounds have different solubility properties and have to be formulated differently.

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 (Please use freshly prepared in vivo formulations for optimal results.)