Sodium alginate is a naturally derived polysaccharide extracted from brown seaweed. It has a wide range of uses across different industries due to its gelling, thickening, stabilizing, and film-forming properties. Here are its main uses:
1. Food Industry
• Thickening agent: In sauces, syrups, and dressings.
• Gelling agent: Especially in molecular gastronomy (e.g., for spherification).
• Stabilizer: In ice cream and dairy products to prevent ice crystal formation.
• Meat and restructured foods: Improves texture and water retention.
2. Pharmaceutical Industry
• Controlled drug release: Used in tablets and capsules for slow-release mechanisms.
• Wound dressings: Calcium alginate dressings help absorb exudate and promote healing.
• Antacid formulations: Combines with calcium carbonate in products like Gaviscon