Alginate-Based Solid Foam Incorporating Rügen Chalk: A Novel Platform for Modern Application of Peloids

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Materials Engineering
• Rehabilitation Technology

Background:

• Natural calcium carbonate, like Rügen chalk, has historical therapeutic uses for musculoskeletal issues.
• Traditional applications (powders, suspensions) are labor-intensive and limit clinical use.
• Developing modern, usable forms of mineral-based therapies is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create an alginate-based solid foam containing Rügen chalk.
• To investigate how formulation components affect the foam's properties.
• To evaluate its suitability for balneology and rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• Prepared alginate-chalk foams using sodium alginate, Rügen chalk, a surfactant, and D-glucono-δ-lactone (GDL).
• Employed response surface methodology to optimize alginate, chalk, and GDL content.
• Characterized foam structure (microscopy, µCT) and properties (mechanical, thermal).

Main Results:

• Developed stable, elastic foams with controllable porosity and mechanical strength.
• Sodium alginate content significantly influenced overrun, firmness, and springiness.
• Optimized foam showed thermal conductivity similar to peat, retaining therapeutic temperatures for over an hour.
• Microcomputed tomography (µCT) revealed fine, closed-cell pore structures.

Conclusions:

• Alginate-Rügen chalk foams offer a tunable platform for mineral-based therapies.
• This technology provides an efficient, practical alternative to traditional balneological treatments.
• The developed foams combine effective mineral delivery with desirable physical properties.