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Alginic acid
Polysaccharide found in brown algae / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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.
Quick Facts Names, Identifiers ...
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Names | |
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Other names
Alginic acid; E400; [D-ManA(β1→4)L-GulA(α1→4)]n | |
Identifiers | |
ChemSpider |
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ECHA InfoCard | 100.029.697 ![]() |
EC Number |
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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).
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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.[1] The biofilm and P. aeruginosa have a high resistance to antibiotics,[2] but are susceptible to inhibition by macrophages.[3]