Homogeneous alginate gels: A technical approach

Homogeneous alginate gels can be made by internal liberation of calcium ions. Non-toxic gels at neutral pH were achieved by mixing particles of CaCO3 with the slowly hydrolysing proton donor d-glucono-δ-lactone into the alginate solutions. This paper summarizes the essential factors controlling the properties of the resulting gel, such as pH, optical clarity, gel homogeneity, gel strength and syneresis.