biostudies-literatureMa DZEarmarked Fund for China Agriculture Research System101338https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12908017biostudies-literatureUnknown12This study investigated the effects of semi-refined κ-carrageenan (SC) and refined κ-carrageenan (RC) on the gelling properties of fish gelatin (FG) and revealed the critical role of sulfate content in the modification process of FG. RC, with higher sulfate content (23.25%), enhanced FG more effectively than SC. A data model linked sulfate content to FG's gelling properties, showing a significant correlation. Structural analysis revealed that SC/RC formed aggregates with FG, increasing hydrogen bonds and creating a denser gel network. Crucially, the distinct sulfate content and impurity levels between SC and RC, together with a shift in the dominant stabilization mechanism of RC, resulted in differential structural modifications of FG. Finally, the study proposed a schematic model to clearCurrent research in food scienceEnhanced gelling properties in fish gelatin by refined and semi-refined κ-carrageenan.PMC12908017CARS-45Sha XMXie WMLin XYMa DZWu FFTu ZCHu ZZZhang PfalseEnhanced gelling properties in fish gelatin by refined and semi-refined κ-carrageenan.This study investigated the effects of semi-refined κ-carrageenan (SC) and refined κ-carrageenan (RC) on the gelling properties of fish gelatin (FG) and revealed the critical role of sulfate content in the modification process of FG. RC, with higher sulfate content (23.25%), enhanced FG more effectively than SC. A data model linked sulfate content to FG's gelling properties, showing a significant correlation. Structural analysis revealed that SC/RC formed aggregates with FG, increasing hydrogen bonds and creating a denser gel network. Crucially, the distinct sulfate content and impurity levels between SC and RC, together with a shift in the dominant stabilization mechanism of RC, resulted in differential structural modifications of FG. Finally, the study proposed a schematic model to clear2026-01-01T00:00:00Z20262026-07-16T05:01:41.643Z2026-07-09T13:10:29.61ZS-EPMC129080174170526410.1016/j.crfs.2026.101338