Hydrocolloids-Gelation of Biopolymers-

Light-activated ionic gelation of common biopolymers.

Biopolymers such as alginate and pectin are well known for their ability to undergo gelation upon addition of multivalent cations such as calcium (Ca(2+)). Here, we report a simple way to activate such ionic gelation by UV irradiation. Our approach involves combining an insoluble salt of the cation (e.g., calcium carbonate, CaCO(3)) with an aqueous solution of the polymer (e.g., alginate) along...

Technology update: Understanding hydrocolloids

Historically, many materials have been used in the treatment of wounds, ranging from grease-soaked bandages to what can best be described as sophisticated cloth. The treatment of wounds has traditionally been the remit of surgeons or doctors, but over the past century that remit has expanded to include nurses. Modern medicine sees a more multidisciplinary approach to care as the treatment of wo...

Hydrocolloids in Food Industry

Hydrocolloids or gums are a diverse group of long chain polymers characterized by their property of forming viscous dispersions and/or gels when dispersed in water. These materials were first found in exudates from trees or bushes, extracts from plants or seaweeds, flours from seeds or grains, gummy slimes from fermentation processes, and many other natural products. Occurrence of a large numbe...

Formulation of Ibuprofen Beads by Ionotropic Gelation

Microencapsulation has become a common technique in the production of controlled release dosage forms. Many results have been reported, concerning the use of alginate beads as controlled release drug formulations. Alginate has a unique gel-forming property in the presence of multivalent cations, in an aqueous medium. Ibuprofen is an excellent analgesic and antipyretic, non-steroidal anti-inflam...

Different Starches in the Presence of Hydrocolloids