Diffusion in κ-carrageenan gel beads

Abstract

Using a well-mixed and temperature-led vessel, the diffusion characteristics of various solutes into spherical κ-carrageenan gel beads were experimentally investigated. The diffusion coefficient of glucose was markedly affected by the glucose concentration and the operating temperature. In all cases the diffusivity obtained was noticeably smaller than that of glucose in pure water. The experimental data also indicated an inverse relationship between the diffusivity and the polymer concentration used in the gel preparation. As well, the glucose diffusivity was affected by the presence of other solutes in the glucose solution. Electrolytes such as ammonium sulfate, KCl, and CaCl₂ were observed to enhance the diffusion coefficient. On the other hand, the addition of arginine or bovine serum albumin had an adverse effect on the diffusivity. No diffusion of albumin into the gel beads was observed, and such a solute created a significant mass transfer resistance during the diffusion process.