Abstract
The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of the sunlight
exposure
treatment on gelidiaceae on the gel-forming ability of the agar. After
sunlight exposure
treatment to collected Gelidium elegans in August and
October, agar was extracted and
its molecular properties such as functional groups, molecular weight and
molecular weight
distribution and gel properties such as gelation temperature and
rheological properties
of gel were investigated. The treatment did not affect the mechanical
properties of the
agar gel. In addition, elimination of sulfate groups and decomposition of
3,6-anhydro-Lgalactose
did not occur. However, the average molecular weight and molecular weight
distribution of agar changed due to the treatment. It was suggested that
the control of
amount of ultraviolet rays of sunlight and temperature during the
treatment is effective
in producing agar having stable quality or desirable gel forming ability.
https://ror.org/00ktqrd38 
