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
International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants International Botanical Congress have produced revised versions of these "Rules", later called the "International Code of Botanical Nomenclature", and then "International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants". The Nomenclature Section of the 18th International Botanical Congress in Melbourne, Australia (2011) made major changes: Some important versions are listed below. Specific to botany More general International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants The International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN) is the set of rules and recommendations dealing with the formal botanical names that are given to plants, fungi and a few other groups