Used as a gelling agent in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Commonly found in capsules for medicines due to its biocompatibility and ability to dissolve easily. Acts as a stabilizer and thickener in dairy products, candies, and desserts. Widely used in wound healing products and tissue engineering because of its biodegradability and low immunogenicity. Also serves as a binder in tablet formulations and in the production of photographic films.