Duchefa GelriteTM is a naturally derived gelling polymer that can be used in a variety of applications as a solidification agent instead of agar. Produced by microbial fermentation, GelriteTM is a highly purified, natural anionic polysaccharide with the variations commonly associated with agar. GelriteTM forms rigid, brittle, agar-like gels at approximately half the use level of agar in presence of soluble salt like Mg2+ and Ca2+. Gels prepared with Gelrite™ are remarkably clear in comparison to those formed with agar. GelriteTM contains no contaminating matters (e.g., phenolic compounds) as found in agar that are toxic to certain sensitive organisms.