Guluronicés

Guluronicés is a term that can refer to two related concepts: guluronic acid and alginic acid. Guluronic acid is a uronic acid, a type of carbohydrate where the terminal hydroxyl group of a sugar has been oxidized to a carboxylic acid group. Specifically, it is a component of alginic acid.

Alginic acid, also known as algin, is a natural polysaccharide found in the cell walls of brown algae. It is composed of repeating units of mannuronic acid and guluronic acid, linked together in varying proportions. The ratio and sequence of these two monosaccharides significantly influence the physical properties of alginic acid, such as its viscosity and gelling behavior.

Alginic acid and its salts, alginates, are widely used in various industries. In the food industry, they serve as thickening, gelling, and stabilizing agents. They are found in products like ice cream, yogurt, and salad dressings. In the pharmaceutical and medical fields, alginates are utilized for wound dressings, drug delivery systems, and as antacids due to their ability to form a gel in the stomach. Their biocompatibility and biodegradability make them attractive for biomedical applications. The term "guluronicés" therefore broadly encompasses the presence and significance of guluronic acid within these important natural polymers.