Algin Also known more commonly as alginate is an edible, natural gum obtained from kelp, it is derived from a variety of brown seaweeds including the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera, Ascophyllum Nodosum and various types of Laminaria Alginate seaweed sources. A number of different things are called gum: gums the soft tissue partly covering teeth Chewing gum Bubblegum Guar gum Gum arabic Postage stamp gum Gum Springs, Arkansas, a town Trees: Gum tree (Eucalyptus; Australia and cultivated in other warm areas) Black gum (Tupelo, Nyssa; eastern North America) Sweet-gum... Families Alariaceae Chordaceae Laminariaceae Lessoniaceae Phyllariaceae Pseudochordaceae Kelp are large seaweeds, belonging to the brown algae and classified in the order Laminariales. ...

It absorbs water quickly, which makes it useful as an additive in dehydrated products such as slimming aids, and in the manufacture of paper and textiles. It is also used for waterproofing and fireproofing fabrics, for thickening drinks, ice cream and cosmetics, and as a detoxifier that can absorb poisonous metals from the blood. Alginate properties

Food use

Alginate is commonly used in foods in the form sodium alginate. It is used extensively in ice cream and restructured products such as restructured fruits and meats.

Industrial use

The main industrial use is in textile printing. The alginate industry largely grew up around the development of reactive dyestuffs in the 1960's due to its low reactivity with the dye.

Calcium alginate is used in burn dressings that promote healing and can be removed painlessly.