Algin
Algin is a widely used ingredient in cosmetics, personal care, and skincare formulations. Depending on its function, it may serve as a moisturizer, preservative, emulsifier, or active ingredient to enhance the overall effectiveness and performance of a product.
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. When the alginic acid binds with sodium and calcium ions, the resulting salts are known as alginates. Its colour ranges from white to yellowish-brown. It is sold in filamentous, granular, or powdered forms.
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| Names | |
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| Other names
Alginic acid; E400; [D-ManA(β1→4)L-GulA(α1→4)]n
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| 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. The biofilm and P. aeruginosa have a high resistance to antibiotics, but are susceptible to inhibition by macrophages.
Alginate was discovered by British chemical scientist E. C. C. Stanford in 1881, and he patented an extraction process for it in the same year. The alginate was extracted, in the original patent, by first soaking the algae in water or diluted acid, then extracting the alginate by soaking it in sodium carbonate, and finally precipitating the alginate from solution.[better source needed]
