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
John Lightfoot (biologist) "Ryssus", but including also "Lichen" as "Algae Terrestres", terrestrial algae. Only nine genera of fungi are recognised in the book: "Agaricus", "Boletus", "Hydnum", "Phallus", "Helvella", "Peziza", "Clavaria", "Lycoperdon", and "Mucor" (listed on page 645); a tenth fungal genus, "Tremella" is covered, but included among his algae. "Scottish Fungi" note that "While his classification might be a bit wonky by today's understanding, most of the species he recorded can be traced to modern taxa", and that he provided the first British records for the chanterelle and the summer truffle. The book has an "English and Scotch Index of the Names of