Poligeenan
type of polymer
Poligeenan (CAS No. 53973-98-1) is a low viscosity, low molecular weight, sulfated polygalactan polymer used exclusively in clinical diagnostic applications. The polymer is derived from the molecular backbone of carrageenan.
Terminology
The name "poligeenan" was confirmed in 1988 by the United States Adopted Names (USAN) Council. The Council is sponsored by the American Medical Association, the American Pharmaceutical Association, and the US Pharmacopeial Convention Inc.
Prior to 1988, poligeenan was referred to as "degraded carrageenan" in the scientific literature. The terms "poligeenan" and "degraded carrageenan" were often used interchangeably in research articles and reports. The use of the term "degraded carageenan" caused confusion, which resulted in the attribution of the negative observations associated with the polymer being attributed to carrageenan. Poligeenan and carrageenan are completely different products.
Usage
Diagnostic
The primary use for poligeenan is for clinical diagnostic applications, and specifically the suspension of barium sulfate slurries used in X-ray studies of the mouth, throat, and esophagus during swallowing.
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