Algin-calcium gels

In another study, chitin nanofibers were prepared by using deep eutectic solvents (DESs), including mixtures of choline halide (chloride/bromide)-urea and choline chloride-thiourea. The produced chitin nanofibers were utilized for manufacturing calcium alginate bionanocomposite gel beads to improve elasticity and retard drug release [21]. 

In this study, lipoxygenase was successfully entrapped by a novel immobilization method within a calcium-alginate silicate gel matrix. The entrapped lipoxygenase had stability better than LOX immobilized by other methods. The immobilized preparation also was reusable. This procedure should enhance the potential of LOX as a biocatalysts in the preparation of oxygenated fatty acid derivatives that have unique chemical and physical properties. 

Calcium alginate Calcium chelating agents Gel formation... 

Sakai S., Ono T., Ijima H., Kawakami K. Aminopropyl-silicate membrane for microcapsule-shaped bioartificial organs control of molecular permeability. J. Membr. Sd. 2002 202 73-80 Sakai S., Ono T., Ijima H., Kawakami K. Permeability of alginate/sol-gel s)mthesized aminopropyl-silicate/alginate membrane templated by calcium-alginate gel. J. Membr. Sci. 2002 205 183-189... 

Algin solutions form gels with calcium ions due to the formation of insoluble calcium alginate. These gels are not thermally reversible but may be liquefied by calcium... 

M. Matto, Q. Husain, Entrapment of porous and stable Con A-peroxidase complex into hybrid calcium alginate-pectin gel, Chem. Technol. Biotechnol. 81 (2006) 1316-1323. 

Polysaccharides can also be used to immobilise cells or enzymes, permitting the re-use of the catalyst and continuous flow systems. Alginates have the advantage that gel formation occurs under mild conditions, therefore cells remain viable and enzymes are not denatured but calcium gradually leaches out and the gel dissolves. Gellan or other combinations may prove superior for this application. 

At end, it is important to mention that calcium pectate gel beads were compared with calcium alginates gel beads for all entrapment uses [65, 66] in this work, the authors determined the pore size of the beads by size exclusion chromatography using dextran standards and other solutes. 

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