calcium alginate

Calcium alginate is a water-insoluble, gelatinous substance formed by the reaction of aqueous calcium chloride with sodium alginate, which is derived from brown seaweed. It is primarily used as a biocompatible material in wound dressings for its absorbent and hemostatic properties, forming a gel that maintains a moist environment conducive to healing and reduces pain. Calcium alginate also finds use as an excipient in drug delivery systems due to its ability to encapsulate drugs and control their release through its cross-linked 3D network structure. In addition to medical applications such as wound care and oral tissue repair, it serves roles in biotechnology (e.g., enzyme entrapment) and plant tissue culture. It functions primarily through physical mechanisms. It promotes hemostasis by interacting with blood components, and it absorbs exudate through hydrogel formation.

Brand names

Algostéril

Other names

alginatealgin