Guluronic Acid
Guluronic Acid is a type of sugar acid that is a key component of certain polysaccharides, particularly in the structure of alginate, which is derived from brown seaweed. It plays a crucial role in the gel-forming properties of alginate, making it useful in various applications, including food, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology.
This acid is known for its ability to form gels in the presence of calcium ions, which is why it is often used as a thickening agent or stabilizer in products like ice cream and salad dressings. Additionally, guluronic acid has potential health benefits, including wound healing and tissue engineering applications.