Introduction To Alginate

What is Alginate?

Alginate is found in a wide variety of brown seaweeds and is present as a structural polysaccharide. Alginate is made up of a linear block copolymer of α-L-guluronic acid and β-D-mannuronic acid. The blocks vary in size and alternating M and G segments as well as random blocks may also be present. The type of structure is influenced by the seaweed source as well as the growing conditions of the weed. The block structure ultimately dictates the gelling properties of the alginate produced. Durvillaea and Ascophyllum species tend to be high in mannuronic acid and hence form softer gels whereas alginate sources such a Laminaria hyperborea stipes tend to have a higher guluronic acid content an hence form much more rigid gels.

Alginate bearing weeds are typically found in temperate or cold water with the exception of Sargassum, which also grows in warmer waters. Commercial sources of brown seaweed that are used for alginate extraction vary around the world. The most common species used are Ascophyllum, Durvillaea, Ecklonia, Laminaria, Lessonia, Macrocystis, Saccharina and Sargassum. Processors often utilise a local source of brown seaweed but in many cases, it is supplemented with other materials that are brought in and which may have different properties.

Alginate can also be produced from a bacterial source (Azobacter vinelandii). However the block structure in bacterial alginate tends to give a product with poor gelling characteristics and the expense of production means the product has never been commercialised and remains of academic interest only.

This Introduction to Alginate article has further information on alginate structure, production and properties which can be accessed using the forward arrows in the Further Reading box below or by downloading the pdf here.