Alginic acid
Alginic acid, also called algin, is a naturally occurring, edible polysaccharide found in brown algae. It is hydrophilic and forms a viscous gum when hydrated. With metals such as sodium and calcium, its salts are known as alginates. Its colour ranges from white to yellowish-brown. It is sold in filamentous, granular, or powdered forms.
| Names | |
|---|---|
| Other names
Alginic acid; E400; [D-ManA(β1→4)L-GulA(α1→4)]n | |
| Identifiers | |
| ChemSpider |
|
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.029.697 |
| EC Number |
|
| E number | E400 (thickeners, ...) |
| UNII | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) |
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| Properties | |
| (C6H8O6)n | |
| Molar mass | 10,000 – 600,000 |
| Appearance | White to yellow, fibrous powder |
| Density | 1.601 g/cm3 |
| Acidity (pKa) | 1.5–3.5 |
| Pharmacology | |
| A02BX13 (WHO) | |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references | |
It is a significant component of the biofilms produced by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a major pathogen found in the lungs of some people who have cystic fibrosis. The biofilm and P. aeruginosa have a high resistance to antibiotics, but are susceptible to inhibition by macrophages.
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