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DESCRIPTION
Gellan gum is a water-soluble polysaccharide derived from the fermentation of the bacterium Sphingomonas elodea.
Gellan gum is often used as a gelling agent in the food industry, but also in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology.
Cas Number
71010-52-1.
Synonyms
Gelzan ,Gellan,E418 Gellan polysaccharide,Sphingomonas elodea gum
Introduction to Gellan Gum
Definition and Overview
Gellan gum is a polysaccharide derived from the fermentation of the bacterium Sphingomonas elodea.
It is used as a gelling agent, stabilizer, and thickener in various industries.
Discuss its versatility compared to other gelling agents.
History of Discovery and Development
Discovery of gellan gum in 1978 by the Japanese scientists at the University of Tokyo.
Commercialization and rise in popularity in the 1980s.
How the gum is viewed in both food and non-food industries today.
General Chemical Structure
The basic repeating units of gellan gum: glucose, rhamnose, and glucuronic acid.
Description of the molecular structure and how it forms a gel.
The structural differences between gellan gum and other polysaccharides.
Chemical Structure of Gellan Gum
Molecular Composition
The primary monomers: glucose, rhamnose, and glucuronic acid.
Detailed breakdown of how these units link to form the polysaccharide backbone.
The impact of molecular weight on gelling behavior.
Functional Groups and Properties
The presence of hydroxyl (-OH) groups, their role in hydration and gelation.
Explanation of acyl and non-acyl gellan gum variants and their distinct properties.
Polysaccharide Chain Structure
The linear structure of gellan gum and how it differs from other gelling agents like agar.
Cross-linking mechanisms in gel formation.
Comparison to Other Gelling Agents
Compare gellan gum’s molecular structure to agar, gelatin, and carrageenan.
Highlight the unique aspects of gellan gum, such as its ability to form thermoreversible gels.
Production of Gellan Gum
Microbial Fermentation Process
Overview of Sphingomonas elodea and its role in producing gellan gum.
Description of the fermentation process, including glucose and other nutrients required.
Raw Materials Required
Sugars (typically glucose), nitrogen sources, and salts used for optimal fermentation.
The role of fermentation media and how it affects yield and quality.
Key Steps in Production
Fermentation: Growth of Sphingomonas elodea and gum production.
Purification: Removal of microbial cells, residual nutrients, and other contaminants.
Drying: The final processing into a powder or gel form.
Industrial-Scale Production vs. Laboratory Synthesis
How large-scale production differs in terms of scale, cost, and technology.
The role of bioreactors and other biotechnological innovations in increasing yield.
Methods of Purification and Drying
Methods like ultrafiltration, dialysis, and alcohol precipitation to purify the gum.
Spray drying, freeze-drying, and drum drying techniques used to produce powdered gellan gum.
Physicochemical Properties of Gellan Gum
Solubility in Water and Behavior in Various Solvents
How gellan gum dissolves in water at different temperatures.
Solubility in organic solvents and other aqueous solutions.
Gelation Properties
How gellan gum forms gels at specific temperatures, including the effects of acylation.
The difference between low-acyl and high-acyl gellan gum in terms of gel strength and structure.
Impact of the concentration of gellan gum on gel strength.
Viscosity and Shear Thinning Behavior
Gellan gum’s viscosity profile, how it behaves under shear stress (rheology).
Uses in products that need controlled viscosity, such as beverages and syrups.
Thermal Stability
How gellan gum gels at higher temperatures compared to other gelling agents.
The impact of heat on gellan gum’s stability and the temperature range in which it remains stable.
Sensitivity to pH, Ionic Strength, and Other Environmental Factors
pH ranges where gellan gum remains stable.
The role of ionic strength (such as the presence of salts) in gel formation.
Effects of various environmental conditions on the properties of gellan gum.
Types of Gellan Gum
High-Acyl Gellan Gum
Detailed explanation of high-acyl gellan gum (with acyl groups attached) and its unique gel properties.
Applications in food products requiring softer gels and more elastic textures.
Low-Acyl Gellan Gum
Structure of low-acyl gellan gum and its superior ability to form firm, brittle gels.
Uses in applications where a firmer gel is needed.
Characteristics and Differences Between Types
How acylation levels affect gel strength, temperature sensitivity, and texture.
The choice of gellan gum type based on specific application needs (e.g., soft gels in dairy vs. firm gels in confectionery).
Suitability for Different Applications
Comparing which type of gellan gum is best suited for particular industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
Applications of Gellan Gum
Food Industry
As a Gelling Agent, Stabilizer, and Emulsifier: Use in confectionery (gels, gummies), dairy products (yogurt, milk drinks), and beverages (fruit juices, carbonated drinks).
Applications in Dairy, Jams, Jellies, and Beverages: How it’s used to modify texture, enhance mouthfeel, and improve shelf life.
Health Benefits: As a source of soluble fiber, it can support digestive health and act as a prebiotic.
Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology
Drug Delivery Systems: How gellan gum is used in controlled-release formulations, such as capsules and tablets.
Vaccine Formulations: Its role as a stabilizer in vaccine formulations.
Medical Applications: How gellan gum is used in wound dressings, biofilm scaffolds, and tissue engineering.
Cosmetics and Personal Care
Emulsion Stabilizer in Lotions and Creams: Ensuring the consistency and texture of lotions, creams, and gels.
Rheology Modifier: How gellan gum helps to thicken and provide desired textures in skincare products.
Industrial Applications
Films and Coatings: Its role in biodegradable packaging materials, films, and coatings.
Cleaning Agents: Application as a stabilizer and thickener in cleaning products.
Agriculture
Soil Conditioners and Plant Growth Stimulants: Use of gellan gum in agriculture for soil stabilization and controlled release of fertilizers.
Regulatory Status of Gellan Gum
Approval Status in Different Countries
Overview of how different health authorities view gellan gum (e.g., FDA, EFSA).
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
The levels considered safe for consumption based on scientific research.
Labeling and Standards for Use
How gellan gum must be labeled on products (e.g., E418 in the EU) and any legal restrictions.
Future Trends and Innovations
Ongoing Research in Gellan Gum Modifications
Research on improving gellan gum properties, such as making it more sustainable or enhancing its functional properties.
Emerging Applications in Novel Fields
3D printing applications using gellan gum for bioprinting.
Sustainable packaging materials as a growing area of interest.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Production Methods
Advancements in green chemistry, reducing waste, and improving energy efficiency during production.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Market
Discussion of current challenges, such as competition with other gelling agents and global supply chain issues.
Potential areas of growth in emerging markets.
Conclusion
Summary of Key Points Discussed
Recap of gellan gum’s properties, applications, and safety profile.
Final Thoughts on the Importance of Gellan Gum in Various Industries
Reflect on how gellan gum is evolving in response to market demand and technological advances.
Its growing role in sustainable products and future trends in research.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT GELLAN GUM
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product
