Ions-induced gelation of alginate: Mechanisms and applications

This study is proposed to summarize the gelation mechanisms of alginate induced by different cations, mainly including H+, Ca2+, Ba2+, Cu2+, Sr2+, Zn2+, Fe2+, Mn2+, Al3+, and Fe3+. The mechanism of H+-induced gelation of alginate mainly depends on the protonation of carboxyl groups. Divalent ions-induced gelation of alginate show different selection towards G, M, and GM blocks. Trivalent ions can bind to carboxyl groups of uronates with no selection. The properties and applications of these ionotropic alginate gels are also discussed. The knowledge gained in this study would provide useful information for the practical applications of alginate.PMID:33617905 | DOI:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.02.086
Source: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules - Category: Biochemistry Authors: Source Type: research