The composition and sequential structure of alginate determines the functionality of alginate in an application. For instance, the gelling properties of an alginate are highly dependent upon the monomer composition and sequential structure of the polymer. Gel strength will depend upon the guluronic acid content (F_G) and also the average number of consecutive guluronate moieties in G-block structures (N_G>1).

Chemical composition and sequential structure of alginate can be determined by ¹H- and ¹³C-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). A general description of NMR can be found in <761> of the USP24-NF19. The NMR methodology and assignments are based on data published by Grasdalen et al. (1979, 1981, 1983). ^{, ,} The NMR technique has made it possible to determine the monad frequencies F_M (fraction of mannuronate units) and F_G (fraction of guluronate units), the four nearest neighboring (diad) frequencies F_GG, F_MG, F_GM, F_MM, and the eight next nearest neighboring (triad) frequencies F_GGG, F_GGM, F_MGG, F_MGM, F_MMM, F_MMG, F_GMM, F_GMG. Knowledge of these frequencies enables number averages of block lengths to be calculated. N_G is the number average length of G-blocks, and N_G>1 is the number average length of G-blocks from which singlets (-MGM-) have been excluded. Similarly, N_M is the number average length of M-blocks, and N_M>1 is the number average length of M-blocks from which singlets (-GMG-) have been excluded. ¹³C NMR must be used to determine the M-centered triads and N_M>1. This test method describes only the ¹H NMR analysis of alginate. Alginate can be well characterized by determining F_G and N_G>1.

In order to obtain well-resolved NMR spectra, it is necessary to reduce the viscosity and increase the mobility of the molecules by depolymerization of alginate to a degree of polymerization of about 20 to 50. Acid hydrolysis is used to depolymerize the alginate samples. Freeze-drying, followed by dissolution in 99 % D₂O, and another freeze-drying before dissolution in 99.9 % D₂O yields samples with low ¹H₂O content. TTHA is used as a chelator to prevent traces of divalent cations to interact with alginate. While TTHA is a more effective chelator, other agents such as EDTA and citrate may be used. Such interactions may lead to line broadening and selective loss of signal intensity.

Samples are analyzed at a temperature of 80 ± 1°C. Elevated sample temperature contributes to reducing sample viscosity and repositions the proton signal of residual water to an area outside that of interest.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the composition and monomer sequence of alginate intended for use in biomedical and pharmaceutical applications as well as in Tissue Engineered Medical Products (TEMPs) by high-resolution proton NMR (¹H NMR). A guide for the characterization of alginate has been published as Guide F2064.

1.2 Alginate, a linear polymer composed of β-D-mannuronate (M) and its C-5 epimer α-L-guluronate (G) linked by β-(1>4) glycosidic bonds, is characterized by calculating parameters such as mannuronate/guluronate (M/G) ratio, guluronic acid content (G-content), and average length of blocks of consecutive G monomers (that is, N_G>1). Knowledge of these parameters is important for an understanding of the functionality of alginate in TEMP formulations and applications. This test method will assist end users in choosing the correct alginate for their particular application. Alginate may have utility as a scaffold or matrix material for TEMPs, in cell and tissue encapsulation applications, and in drug delivery formulations.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.