Alginate Beads

Alginate beads are tiny, gel-like spheres made from alginate, a natural substance derived from seaweed. They are created by dropping a liquid containing alginate and other materials into a solution with calcium ions. The calcium causes the alginate to instantly form a solid, gel-like exterior, trapping the original contents inside. These beads are used in medicine for drug delivery, in food for encapsulating flavors or nutrients, and in environmental applications for capturing pollutants. They are biocompatible, non-toxic, and capable of protecting their contents while allowing controlled release or interaction.