NaC6H7O6

Sodium Alginate(NaC6H7O6) is derived from marine brown algae (seaweed). It is a natural hydrophilic polysaccharide meaning a polysaccharide that is dissolvable in water. This is why when conducting the lab the Sodium Alginate powder was able to partially homogenize with the liquid solutions containing water. Converting alginic acid to Sodium Alginate allows it to be soluble with water and Sodium Alginate contains approximately 30 to 60% alginic acid. Anionic polyelectrolytes are polymers having negatively charged moieties and anionic counterions existing on each unit. Moieties mean each of the two parts into which a cell is or can be divided. The backbone that is formed from Sodium Alginate when linked from mannuronic acid and guluronic acid can form irregular patterns of GG, MG, and MM. This is used for protection from the environment and allows for synthesis of biofilms to adhere to surfaces. Biofilm is an assemblage of surface-associated matrix that helps cells attach to and communicate with nearby cells and also plays an important role in cell growth, movement, and other cell functions. Biofilm is crucial to maintaining the solution's shape as it holds more than 98% of water inside of the hydrogel. It is important for the maintenance of bioactivity as it provides an aqueous environment for encapsulated cells. Sodium Alginate has been found to be highly beneficial in the field of agriculture since it increases soil’s ability to hold water when mixed in, leading to a more sustainable and resourceful soil base for plants.