Analysis of Hydrocolloid Types and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) Spectra of Red Seaweed (Rhodophyceae) During the Dry Season in Oenaek Waters, Kupang Regency

Abstract

Red seaweed (Rhodophyceae) is a natural hydrocolloid source that has great potential to be developed in Indonesia. Hydrocolloids such as agar, carrageenan, and alginate can be used in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. However, the utilization of seaweed in Indonesia is still not optimal, as most of it is exported in dried form. This study aims to determine the type of hydrocolloid and FTIR spectra of red seaweed in the dry season in Oenaek waters, Kupang Regency. This study used two methods: laboratory research and descriptive research. The descriptive method was used to describe and explain the observed phenomena. The parameters studied in this research include hydrocolloid content and infrared spectroscopy (Fourier Transform Infrared) testing, which was conducted at the Laboratory of Advanced Technology and Multidisciplinary, Airlangga University Campus C, Mulyorejo, Surabaya. The results showed that the types of hydrocolloids obtained in this study were carrageenan and agar. The carrageenan content obtained from red seaweed ranged from 30.2% to 40.8%, while the agar content obtained from red seaweed ranged from 29.6% to 33.2%. The results of infrared spectroscopy (Fourier Transform Infrared) analysis showed that the absorption peaks obtained were characteristic of the chemical composition of red seaweed.