Use of Carbotrace 480 as a Probe for Cellulose and Hydrogel Formation from Defibrillated Microalgae

Carbotrace 480 is a commercially available fluorescent optotracer that specifically binds to cellulose’s glycosidic linkages. Herein, the use of Carbotrace 480 is reported as an analytical tool for linking cellulose content to hydrogel formation capability in defibrillated celluloses obtained from proprietary microalgae. Defibrillated celluloses obtained from acid-free hydrothermal microwave processing at low temperature (160 °C) showed poor hydrogel formation attributed to a low cellulose concentration as evidenced through the lack of Carbotrace fluorescence. High temperature (220 °C) processing afforded reasonable gels commensurate with a higher cellulose loading and stronger response to Carbotrace.