Preparation of calcium alginate gels by electrodialysis

A new method was proposed for the preparation of alginate gels by the trans fer of calcium cations through cation-exchange membranes under the action o f an electric current from external compartments to a compartment containin g sodium alginate. It was found that the electric current passing trough th e system has a pronounced effect on the gelatination process. The calcium a lginate gels obtained were characterized by dynamic rheology. It was shown that their structure varies from the weakly cross-linked to the medium-cros slinked state, depending on electrodialysis conditions. A number of distinc tions were found between gels obtained by electrodialysis and dialysis. The advantages of the proposed method are the formation of optically transpare nt structures and the absence of the syneresis typical of gels prepared by dialysis.