- Product Name: Calcium Alginate
- CAS: 9005-35-0
- Catalog: HG-BULK037
- Applications: Pharmaceutical and Medical Use, Food and Beverage Industry, Biotechnology, Industrial Use.
Calcium alginate is a naturally derived polymer extracted from brown algae, particularly kelp, and is available as a calcium salt of alginic acid. This biopolymer has versatile applications due to its ability to form gels, its biocompatibility, and its solubility properties. It is widely recognized for its significant benefits in medical, nutritional, and industrial formulations.
Key Features
Solubility
- Insoluble in water and most organic solvents. Partial solubility in certain alkaline solutions like sodium phosphate, sodium carbonate, and calcium carbonate mixtures.
Biodegradable and Biocompatible
- As a natural polysaccharide, calcium alginate is fully biodegradable and non-toxic.
Gel-Forming
- Calcium alginate is known for its ability to form gels, a characteristic that enhances its use as a stabilizer and encapsulating agent in both food and pharmaceutical formulations.
M/G Ratio Variability
- Depending on the algal source, the ratio of mannuronic acid (M) to guluronic acid (G) varies, which influences the gel strength and viscosity of the product. Alfa Chemistry provides calcium alginate with tailored properties depending on customer needs.
Technical Data
| Items | Common grade | Electrode grade |
| Appearance | White to light yellow powder |
| Content | 89.6～104.5% | 89.6～104.5% |
| Grain size | as the customer required | 200 mesh |
| Viscosity | as the customer required | as the customer required |
| Moisture | ≤ 14% | ≤ 14% |
| pH | 6.0～9.5 | 6.8～8.0 |
| Ash content | 10.0～25.0% | 10.0～18% |
| Heavy metals | ≤ 40ppm | ≤ 40ppm |
| Lead | ≤ 5ppm | ≤ 10ppm |
| Arsenic | ≤ 2ppm | ≤ 2ppm |
Applications
Due to its natural origin, non-toxic nature, and ability to interact with biological systems, calcium alginate has become indispensable in the following fields:
Pharmaceutical and Medical Use
- Wound Care: Calcium alginate is a key material in wound dressings due to its hemostatic properties (stops bleeding) and its ability to accelerate wound healing.
- Drug Delivery: The gel-forming ability of calcium alginate is harnessed in controlled-release drug systems, providing a slow and consistent release of therapeutic agents.
Food and Beverage Industry
- Thickening and Stabilizing Agent: Calcium alginate is used as a thickener in food products like sauces, dairy, and beverages. Its ability to form gels at specific conditions makes it ideal for use in creating food coatings and encapsulation for flavor and nutrient protection.
- Calcium Supplement: As a source of bioavailable calcium, it is used in health supplements to promote bone health and calcium balance in the body.
Biotechnology
- Cell Encapsulation: Calcium alginate is used in the immobilization of cells in biotechnological applications, such as in biosensors, bioreactors, and enzyme immobilization for various industrial processes.
Industrial Use
- Welding Rod Coatings: In industrial applications, calcium alginate is used as a plasticizer for welding rod coatings, improving their flexibility and durability.
Storage and Packaging
- Storage Conditions: Stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
- Packaging: Supplied in 25 kg paper-plastic composite bags.
Alfa Chemistry's calcium alginate is a versatile, high-quality product that serves a wide range of industries, from pharmaceuticals to food processing, thanks to its gel-forming properties, biocompatibility, and natural origin. For more information, please feel free to contact us.
