Algae of commercial uses. It is a good medium on which to grow bacteria and fungi, as most microorganisms cannot digest agar. Alginic acid, or alginate, is extracted from brown algae. Its uses range from gelling agents in food, to medical dressings. Alginic acid also has been used in the field of biotechnology as a biocompatible medium for cell encapsulation and cell immobilization. Molecular cuisine is also a user of the substance for its gelling properties, by which it becomes a delivery vehicle for flavours. Between 100,000 and 170,000 wet tons of "Macrocystis" are harvested annually in New Mexico for alginate
Mycorrhiza helper bacteria they found that the bacteria helped ectomycorrhizal fungi promote a symbiotic relationship with the plant by examining an increase in formation of mycorrhiza. Some bacteria improve root colonization and plant growth when associated with arbuscular mycorrhiza. The improvement of growth has been hypothesized that MHB aid the plant to defend against pathogens by improving the nutrient uptake. However, the mechanism these species use to help both of the fungi is still unknown and needs to be further investigated. Actinobacteria are gram-positive bacteria, and they are found in the soil. In this phylum, "Streptomyces" is the largest genus of bacteria, and