Preparation of Sodium Alginate Gel with Virtual Interactive Simulation

Preparation of Sodium Alginate Gel with Virtual Interactive Simulation

Practical Significance

Sodium alginate gel is commonly used in wound dressings due to its ability to absorb exudate (fluid from wounds), in the treatment of burns to soothe pain, and promote the healing. Through this experiment, the students will be able to learn the composition, preparation, evaluation, storage, use, direction and labelling requirements of sodium alginate gel.

Relevant Theoretical Background

Sodium alginate gel acts as a protective barrier over the wound, soothe pain, and promote healing. It can be used as lubricants for catheters and other medical devices. It can also be used as a vehicle for topical delivery of certain medicaments.

Sodium alginate is a naturally occurring anionic polymer obtained from brown seaweed. It consists of mannuronic (M) and guluronic (G) acids organized in various combinations. Calcium gluconate acts as a gelling agent. Calcium ions from calcium gluconate cross-link the guluronic acids from alginate polymer chains through ionic bonds, forming a three-dimensional gel network. As the cross-linking reaction progresses, the alginate solution undergoes a phase transition from a liquid to a gel. Glycerin acts as a dispersing agent which is mixed with sodium alginate to prevent lump formation. As sodium alginate is susceptible to microbial growth, methyl hydroxy benzoate is added as a preservative.

Requirements

• a. Apparatus: Beakers, measuring cylinder (50 ml.), spatula, pipette, water bath and glass rod.
• b. Equipment: Calibrated weighing balance.
• c. Chemicals: Sodium alginate, glycerol, methyl hydroxybenzoate, calcium gluconate.

Formulation Table

Procedure

• a. Wet the sodium alginate with the glycerol in a glass beaker.
• b. Dissolve the preservative and calcium gluconate in about 80% of water with the aid of heat. Cool to about 60°C and stir rapidly with a high-speed stirrer.
• c. Add sodium alginate-glycerol mixture to the vortex in small amounts and continue stirring until the dispersion is homogeneous.
• d. Evaluate formulation as per evaluation parameters and write the observations.
• e. Pack in a well-closed container, attach a label and submit.

Use of Preparation

As a protective, absorbent, lubricant and dermatological vehicle.

Instructions

a. For external use only
b. Replace the cap after use

Storage

Store in a cool place. Do not freeze.

Result

__ml of Sodium alginate gel is prepared, evaluated and submitted in a ___________container with special instructions as__________________________________________________.

Virtual Interactive Simulation

Instructions:

Click “Start,” “Next,” or “End” to navigate between slides.

Follow the sequence order for the best experience.

Allow each animation to complete before moving to the next step.

The actual process may vary slightly from the steps above.

For any suggestions or corrections, please email pankajvalvi@gmail.com.

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