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algin (alginic acid)

A complex poly­saccharide occurring in the cell walls of the brown algae (Phaeophyta). Chemical formula (C6H8O6)n and density 1.601 g/cm3 . Algin strongly absorbs water to form a viscous gel. It is produced commer­cially from a variety of species of Laminaria and from Macrocystis pyrifera in the form of alginates, which are used mainly as a stabilizer and tex­turing agent in the food industry.