What is an algin?

Algins are a group of polysaccharides found in the cell walls of brown algae. They are linear chains of D-mannuronic acid and L-guluronic acid residues, which can be arranged in a variety of ways. Algins are soluble in water and form viscous solutions, which makes them useful as thickening, gelling, and stabilizing agents in the food industry. They are also used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, and as a source of dietary fiber.