Alginates are naturally occurring polysaccharides generated from brown seaweeds, particularly from the Phaeophyceae class. The most common sources of alginates are Laminaria hyperborea and Ascophyllum nodosum. Because of their distinctive qualities, such as gelling, thickening, and stabilizing, these versatile compounds have been widely used in industry. Alginates are mostly made up of a linear copolymer of β-D-mannuronic acid (M) and α-L-guluronic acid (G). The ratio and sequence of these monomers contribute to alginates' varied spectrum of characteristics. G-blocks enhance gel-forming capabilities, whereas M-blocks improve alginate solubility. One of the distinguishing characteristics of alginates is their propensity to form gels in the presence of divalent cations, specifically calcium ions. This gelation is caused by the cross-linking of guluronic acid residues, which results in a three-dimensional network. Alginates' gel-forming qualities make them ideal for use in a variety of industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. In the culinary business, alginates are extensively employed as thickeners and stabilizers in ice cream, salad dressings, and sauces. Alginates' ability to create heat-stable gels makes them ideal for applications involving temperature changes. In the pharmaceutical business, alginates are used in the development of controlled-release drug delivery systems. Alginates are suitable candidates for such applications due to their biocompatibility and lack of toxicity. Additionally, alginates are being investigated for wound healing applications due to their hemostatic and tissue-protective qualities. Alginates are used in a variety of sectors, including textiles, papermaking, and cosmetics. Their adaptability, biodegradability, and abundance in nature make them appealing as sustainable and environmentally benign materials. Finally, alginates are wonderful natural polymers that have a wide range of applications, including food, medicines, textiles, and cosmetics. Their unusual gelling qualities and biocompatibility render them indispensable in a variety of industrial procedures.
