Title: Alginic Acid
CAS Registry Number: 9005-32-7
Synonyms: Norgine; polymannuronic acid
Trademarks: Sazio (Zyma)
Literature References: Mol wt about 240,000. A hydrophilic, colloidal polysaccharide obtained from seaweeds which, in the form of mixed salts of calcium, magnesium, and other bases, occurs as a structural component of the cell wall. Isoln from fronds of
Laminaria digitata (L.) Edmonson,
Laminariaceae: Stanford,
J. Chem. Soc. 44, 943 (1883); Bird, Haas,
Biochem. J. 25, 403 (1931); from
Macrocystis pyrifera (L.) C. Ag.,
Lessoniaceae: Nelson, Cretcher,
J. Am. Chem. Soc. 51, 1914 (1929). Polysaccharides similar to alginic acid are also secreted by the bacteria
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and
Azotobacter vinelandii: G. H. Cohen, D. B. Johnstone,
J. Bacteriol. 88, 329 (1964); L. R. Evans, A. Linker,
ibid. 116, 915 (1973). Alginic acid is a linear polymer of b-(1?4)-D-mannosyluronic acid and a-(1?4)-L-gulosyluronic acid residues, the relative proportions of which vary with the botanical source and state of maturation of the plant. Clinical use of combination with antacid in gastric reflux esophagitis: D. Y. Graham
et al., Curr. Ther. Res. 22, 653 (1977). Clinical evaluation of calcium salt as hemostatic dressing: T. Gilchrist, A. M. Martin,
Biomaterials 4, 317 (1983); A. R. Groves, J. C. Lawrence,
Ann. R. Coll. Surg. Engl. 68, 27 (1986). Review of structure studies and of secondary and tertiary structure in solutions and gels: D. A. Rees, E. J. Welsh,
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 16, 214 (1977). Review of production, properties and use in the food industry: A. Askar,
Alimenta 21, 165-169 (1982).
Properties: Very slightly sol in water. Tasteless. Capable of absorbing 200-300 times its weight of water and salts to the extent of 60%. Resists hydrolysis. Sol in alkaline solns. pH of a 3 in 100 suspension in water is between 2.0 and 3.4.
Derivative Type: Calcium salt
CAS Registry Number: 9005-35-0
Trademarks: Sorbsan (Maersk)
Derivative Type: Sodium salt
Properties: See Algin.
Use: Sizing paper and textiles; as binder for briquettes; manuf artificial horn, ivory, celluloid; emulsionizing mineral oils; mucilage. Additional uses are described under Algin.
Therap-Cat: Calcium salt as hemostatic.
Keywords: Hemostatic.
