Using light scattering measurements to study the effects of monovalent and divalent cations on alginate aggregates

Abstract

Light scattering measurements were used to assess the effects of selected divalent and monovalent cations on alginate aggregation in vitro. Alginate, formed with either strontium, calcium or cobalt was partially dissolved with sodium. Calcium-alginate was also partially dissolved with two other monovalent cations, lithium and potassium. Phosphate, when added to a solution containing calcium-alginate, scrubbed alginate-bound calcium as well as free calcium in solution. These findings provide an explanation for an alternative approach for breaking down cell wall alginate.