New ASTM F2064 2014 Edition released

ASTM F2064, “Standard Guide for Characterization and Testing of Alginates as Starting Materials Intended for Use in Biomedical and Tissue Engineered Medical Product Applications,” has just been updated.  The 2014 Edition is available from Document Center Inc. now in paper format, for pdf download, and as part of our Standards Online multi-user subscription service.  It is geared for users in the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries, where alginates are now being used in new commercial applications.

What are alginates?  As you might suspect from the name, an alginate is a substance derived from marine algae.  It’s made of polysaccharide and contains calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium salts.  It’s classified as a hydrocolloid and the most commonly used form is sodium alginate.

The guide contains a listing of those characteristics that affect the functionality of alginates.  You’ll use it to help you select an appropriate alginate for a particular application.  It also provides information on the methods and types of testing you’ll use to confirm the performance of a particular alginate in your application.

Why is ASTM F2064 important?  It’s use in TEMPS (Tissue Engineered Medical Products).  So the information given to help you properly identify your alginate, the physical and chemical considerations and testing you’ll use, the impurities profile of your material, and the performance-related testing needed is essential.

The new ASTM F2064 2014 Edition replaces the previous 2000 Edition that was reapproved in 2006.  Guidance on the location of the changes is not provided by the committee, so you may want to purchase the redline edition of the publication.  This will provide you with a clean copy of the 2015 update and a “marked-up” copy of the original 2000 Edition.  Your changes will be easy to spot.

Now what’s your best way to get copies of the new standard?  Go to the Document Center webstore at www.document-center.com and order your new revision online.  Or contact our staff by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com).  We’ve been an authorized dealer of the ASTM standards since the 1980’s, helping folks like you since 1982.  Make us your Standards Experts!

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Claudia Bach

Claudia Bach is the President of Document Center Inc. and a world-wide recognized expert on Standards and Standards Distribution. You can connect with her on Google+

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