1* Research scholar, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Science, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru-560054, Karnataka, India. Email: drpeadz01@gmail.com (Corresponding Author)
2 Professor and Head of the Department, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Science, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru-560054, Karnataka, India. Email: drpushpalatha29@gmail.com
3 Global Research Cell, Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College & Hospital, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune 411018, India. Email: drshaziaopath@gmail.com
4 Associate Professor, Department of Prosthodontics, AJ Institute of Dental Sciences, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Mangalore -575004, Karnataka, India. Email: jalisaaisha@gmail.com
5 Research Scholar, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Science, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru-560054, India. Email: arsh1036@gmail.com
6 Endodontist, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Speciality Dental Center, Al Madinah Munawwarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Email: drimrankhaiser@gmail.com
Carrageenan, a class of linear, anionic biopolymers derived from red macroalgae (Rhodophyceae), has evolved from a conventional rheology modifier in oral care products to a promising biomaterial for translational dental research. Among its isoforms, κ-carrageenan (KC) is uniquely capable of cation-mediated, thermosensitive gelation, forming stable hydrogel matrices suitable for biological containment. This narrative review aims to critically examine KC's structure–function relationships, functional properties, and applications in dentistry. Key findings indicate that KC exhibits robust cytocompatibility with dental stem cells (e.g., DPSCs), intrinsic antimicrobial activity against endodontic pathogens, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, and viscoelastic shear-thinning behavior that facilitates minimally invasive delivery. These features collectively support its use as an injectable scaffold for dentin–pulp complex regeneration and as a platform for sustained therapeutic release in periodontal and endodontic applications. By consolidating mechanistic insights and emerging experimental evidence, this review highlights KC's translational potential in advancing regenerative and restorative dental therapeutics.
Keywords: Dentistry, Kappa Carrageenan, Dental Biomaterials, Hydrogel Scaffold, Pulp Regeneration, Tissue Engineering.
How to cite this article: Salma U, Pushpalatha C, Fathima JH, Khan JA, Shakir A, Khaisar MI. Kappa-Carrageenan as a Natural Biopolymer for Dental and Biomedical Applications: A Narrative Review. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(5): 12-19. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.5.3
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None