Physicochemical properties and compatibility of sodium alginate and fucoidan solutions.

The interaction between linear sodium alginate and branched fucoidan were investigated using viscosity and tensiometric measurements. It was shown that water-soluble interpolymer complex is formed. The alginate-fucoidan complexation is due to the formation of a cooperative system of hydrogen bonds between the ionogenic and hidroxyl groups of sodium alginate and fucoidan and hydrophobic interactions.