Sea Grapes Paper Towel Enriched with Activated Carbon: A Practical Innovation to Reduce Acrylamide in Fried Food

Background: One of the possible carcinogenic substances found in foods is Acrylamide (AA). This study aims to combine and innovate sea grapes (Caulerpa racemosa) extract with activated carbon into paper towels that can absorb AA levels in fried foods. Methods: The paper towel was created with composition of activated carbon:sea grapes extract:paper pulp using following formula: F0=0:0:100; F1=5:5:100; F2=10:5:100; F3=20:5:100. The optimal paper towel formulation was chosen based on AA reduction, fat absorption, and organoleptic properties. Data were statistically analyzed by SPSS 26. Results: Wrapping a fried potato using the sea grapes paper towel enriched with activated carbon for a min decreased significantly the levels of AA and oil. Although, it significantly reduced the levels of AA and percent of oil in the fried potato, but it did not change the taste and texture (p=0.566 and p=0.330). The best formulation of paper towels with composition of activated carbon, sea grapes extract, and paper pulp of 20:5:100 had the best AA level reduction, oil absorption properties, and a good taste score. Conclusion: This study is the first to successfully combine and innovate sea grapes extract with activated carbon as a food tissue that can reduce AA in fried foods.