Alginic acid
Alginic Acid
Alginic acid (pronounced: al-JIN-ik AS-id), also known as alginate, is a natural polysaccharide that is extracted from the cell walls of brown algae. It is commonly used in the food and pharmaceutical industries due to its unique properties.
Etymology
The term "alginic acid" is derived from the Latin algae, meaning "seaweed", and the suffix -ic, which is used in chemistry to denote a substance related to or derived from another substance. The term "alginate" is derived from the same root, with the suffix -ate indicating a salt or ester of an acid.
Uses
Alginic acid is used in a variety of applications due to its ability to form a gel. In the food industry, it is used as a thickening agent, stabilizer, and emulsifier. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used in the production of controlled-release drugs and as a component of antacids, where it forms a protective barrier on the stomach wall.
Related Terms
- Alginate lyase: An enzyme that breaks down alginic acid.
- Sodium alginate: A salt of alginic acid used in food and pharmaceutical applications.
- Calcium alginate: Another salt of alginic acid, used in wound dressings and other medical applications.
- Propylene glycol alginate: A derivative of alginic acid used as a food additive.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Alginic acid
- Wikipedia's article - Alginic acid
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