Alginate bead presevation - (Sep/09/2013 )

Does anyone know how long alginate beads can be presevred for in and out of solution. Also what solution do you actually use to preserve them with?

Many thanks.

The alginic acid needs calcium as a cofactor to solidify. You can store the beads indefinitely in 100 mM CaCl2, and probably in much lower calcium chloride concentrations. Removing the calcium ions will dissolve the beads. They will dry out if removed from solution.

Once the beads are formed, you can dry them and rehydrate when necessary.