User:David Griffin/Sandbox 1
From Proteopedia
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One of the [[CBI Molecules]] being studied in the [http://www.umass.edu/cbi/ University of Massachusetts Amherst Chemistry-Biology Interface Program] at UMass Amherst and on display at the [http://www.molecularplayground.org/ Molecular Playground]. | One of the [[CBI Molecules]] being studied in the [http://www.umass.edu/cbi/ University of Massachusetts Amherst Chemistry-Biology Interface Program] at UMass Amherst and on display at the [http://www.molecularplayground.org/ Molecular Playground]. | ||
| - | Alginate is | + | Alginate is a linear, organic polymer isolated from certain bacteria and algae. It has been shown to be biocompatible (non-toxic to human cells) and has found numerous applications as a biomaterial for cellular engineering. |
| - | Alginate is composed of a random sequence of mannuronic acid (M) and guluronic acid (G). Exposure to | + | Alginate is composed of a random sequence of mannuronic acid (M) and guluronic acid (G). Exposure to divalent cations (e.g. calcium, magnesium, etc.) chemically cross-links alginate solutions forming a gel. The ratio of G/M in the alginate chain influences the strength of the gel and can be tuned by combining alginate obtained from different sources. |
<applet size='[450,338]' frame='true' align='right' | <applet size='[450,338]' frame='true' align='right' | ||
caption='Sodium Alginate (24,000 Da)' scene='User:David_Griffin/Sandbox_1/Alginate_24000da/1'/> | caption='Sodium Alginate (24,000 Da)' scene='User:David_Griffin/Sandbox_1/Alginate_24000da/1'/> | ||
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| + | Owing to its unique physical properties, alginate hydrogels have been used for a number of biomaterial applications. Alginate has been used as a scaffolding material for building artificial organs, as a dressing for ulcerous wounds and the targeted delivery of anti-cancer drugs. | ||
Revision as of 17:40, 30 April 2010
One of the CBI Molecules being studied in the University of Massachusetts Amherst Chemistry-Biology Interface Program at UMass Amherst and on display at the Molecular Playground.
Alginate is a linear, organic polymer isolated from certain bacteria and algae. It has been shown to be biocompatible (non-toxic to human cells) and has found numerous applications as a biomaterial for cellular engineering.
Alginate is composed of a random sequence of mannuronic acid (M) and guluronic acid (G). Exposure to divalent cations (e.g. calcium, magnesium, etc.) chemically cross-links alginate solutions forming a gel. The ratio of G/M in the alginate chain influences the strength of the gel and can be tuned by combining alginate obtained from different sources.
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Owing to its unique physical properties, alginate hydrogels have been used for a number of biomaterial applications. Alginate has been used as a scaffolding material for building artificial organs, as a dressing for ulcerous wounds and the targeted delivery of anti-cancer drugs.
