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XANTHAN GUM


Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide commonly used as a thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying agent across various industries, particularly in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
It is derived from the bacterial fermentation of sugars, typically from corn, wheat, or soy, by the microorganism Xanthomonas campestris.
The resulting compound has unique viscosity properties, making it highly effective in controlling the texture and stability of products.

CAS Number: 11138-66-2
EC Number: 234-394-2
Molecular Formula: (C35H49O29)n
Molecular Weight: Varies due to polysaccharide structure, approximately 933.75 g/mol per repeating unit

Synonyms: Corn sugar gum, Xanthomonas polysaccharide, Xanthomonas campestris gum, Food gum, Corn starch gum, Bacterial polysaccharide, Xanthan polysaccharide, Corn-derived xanthan, Emulsifying gum, Gum 415, Stabilizing polysaccharide, Corn ferment gum, Xanthan stabilizer, Fermented corn gum, Xanthan thickener, Viscosity gum, Corn-based gum, Emulsifying agent gum, Xanthan food gum, Plant-based thickener, Bioferment gum, Biogum, Rheology modifier gum, Natural gum 415, XG-415, Thickening polymer, Viscosity enhancer, Xanthan biogum, Stabilizer gum, Corn polysaccharide gum, Food-grade xanthan, Thickening agent E415, Food additive E415.

APPLICATIONS


Xanthan gum is widely used in the food industry as a thickening agent, providing a smooth texture and uniform consistency to sauces, dressings, and condiments.
In dairy products like ice cream and yogurt, xanthan gum prevents ice crystal formation, improving creaminess and stability over time.
The gum is also used in gluten-free baking as a substitute for gluten, enhancing dough elasticity and improving the texture of baked goods.

In beverages, xanthan gum acts as a stabilizer and emulsifier, preventing ingredient separation and ensuring a consistent mouthfeel.
It is often added to low-fat and reduced-sugar products to mimic the mouthfeel of full-fat versions, providing a rich and satisfying texture.
Xanthan gum is used in soups, stews, and broths to increase viscosity, creating a hearty and full-bodied texture without altering flavor.

In the cosmetics industry, xanthan gum is a common thickening agent in lotions, creams, and gels, helping to stabilize emulsions and improve spreadability.
It is also used in personal care products such as toothpaste, where it provides texture, stability, and a pleasant mouthfeel.
Xanthan gum is incorporated into hair care products, improving viscosity and helping to maintain consistency across a range of formulations.

The pharmaceutical industry uses xanthan gum as a binder and suspending agent in liquid medications, ensuring consistent dosing and preventing sedimentation.
In tablet formulations, it acts as a disintegrant, promoting the breakdown of tablets in the digestive system for efficient absorption.
The compound’s stability under various pH and temperature conditions makes it suitable for syrups, gels, and creams used in medical treatments.

In the oil and gas industry, xanthan gum is used in drilling fluids as a rheology modifier, improving fluid stability and enhancing lubrication during drilling.
The gum’s shear-thinning properties allow it to maintain high viscosity at low shear rates while thinning at high shear, essential for efficient drilling.
Xanthan gum is also employed in hydraulic fracturing fluids, where it increases viscosity, aiding in the suspension and transport of proppants.

In agriculture, xanthan gum is used in pesticide and fertilizer formulations to enhance adhesion and improve application consistency on plant surfaces.
It is included in soil conditioning agents, helping to retain moisture and improve soil texture, supporting better crop yields.
Xanthan gum also finds applications in animal feed formulations, providing uniform consistency and improving palatability.

The gum is used in personal care formulations like deodorants and sunscreens, enhancing spreadability and ensuring even application.
In industrial cleaners, xanthan gum serves as a stabilizer in formulations requiring viscosity control, ensuring a smooth, manageable texture.
Its biocompatibility and biodegradability make xanthan gum a suitable thickening agent in eco-friendly and sustainable product lines.

In textile printing, xanthan gum acts as a thickener in dye pastes, providing even coverage and enhancing color vibrancy on fabrics.
It is used in paper manufacturing as a surface sizing agent, improving the paper’s smoothness, printability, and resistance to ink penetration.
Xanthan gum is also employed in the production of bio-based plastics, where it improves flexibility and reduces brittleness.

In confectionery, xanthan gum is added to gummy candies and marshmallows, improving texture and maintaining shape stability.
The gum’s ability to form stable films makes it valuable in edible coatings for candies, helping to preserve freshness and extend shelf life.
Xanthan gum is included in low-calorie salad dressings and sauces, providing a creamy consistency without added fats or sugars.

Xanthan gum’s use in dairy substitutes, such as almond milk and soy milk, enhances mouthfeel, providing a creamy texture similar to traditional dairy.
It is often used in protein drinks and smoothies to stabilize emulsions, ensuring uniform consistency and smooth texture.
Xanthan gum is incorporated into meat and seafood products to improve juiciness and texture, particularly in processed items like sausages.

In baking, xanthan gum acts as a dough conditioner, enhancing the elasticity and extensibility of dough, resulting in better rise and crumb structure.
The gum’s high viscosity at low concentrations makes it a cost-effective thickener in applications requiring minimal usage to achieve desired texture.
Xanthan gum is used in the manufacture of gluten-free breads and pastries, where it compensates for the absence of gluten and improves product structure.

In salad dressings, xanthan gum prevents oil and vinegar separation, maintaining a stable emulsion for consistent flavor distribution.
It is a key ingredient in low-fat and reduced-sugar foods, providing body and thickness that might otherwise be lacking.
Xanthan gum is also used in pharmaceutical suspensions, where it prevents active ingredients from settling, ensuring accurate dosing.

DESCRIPTION


Xanthan gum is a microbial polysaccharide produced through the fermentation of sugars by Xanthomonas campestris, offering unique rheological properties.
It is highly effective as a thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying agent, with applications spanning food, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries.
The structure of xanthan gum allows it to create viscous solutions even at low concentrations, giving it significant functional versatility.

The gum’s shear-thinning property is beneficial in applications where a smooth, pourable consistency is desired during use, but thicker texture is preferred when at rest.
Xanthan gum is compatible with a wide range of pH levels, from acidic to alkaline, making it adaptable in diverse formulations.
Its thermal stability allows xanthan gum to maintain its viscosity across temperature variations, essential in applications like sauces and beverages.

Xanthan gum’s non-toxic, biodegradable nature makes it safe for food applications and compatible with eco-friendly formulations.
In cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, xanthan gum enhances product stability, preventing separation and extending shelf life.
The compound’s stability in salt solutions broadens its applicability in various formulations, including savory foods and chemical solutions.

As a food additive, xanthan gum is classified as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA, supporting its widespread use in the food industry.
The gum’s resistance to enzymatic degradation allows it to retain its functional properties throughout processing and storage.
Xanthan gum’s ability to form stable emulsions and suspensions makes it valuable in applications needing consistent texture and homogeneity.

PROPERTIES


Appearance: White to off-white powder
Odor: Odorless
Solubility: Soluble in water, forming a viscous solution; insoluble in organic solvents
Density: Approximately 1.5 g/cm³
Viscosity: High viscosity even at low concentrations, shear-thinning behavior
Melting Point: Decomposes without a defined melting point
pH: Neutral to slightly acidic in solution (typically pH 5.5-8.0)
Hygroscopicity: Absorbs moisture from the air, requiring storage in dry conditions
Stability: Stable under a range of pH, temperature, and salt conditions
Molecular Structure: Composed of repeating pentasaccharide units, forming a stable polysaccharide
Biodegradability: Biodegradable and non-toxic, suitable for eco-friendly formulations

FIRST AID


Inhalation:

If inhaled, remove the individual to fresh air.
If respiratory irritation or discomfort persists, seek medical attention.

Skin Contact:

In case of skin contact, wash with soap and water to remove the gum.
If irritation or rash develops, discontinue exposure and seek medical advice.

Eye Contact:

If xanthan gum enters the eyes, rinse thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists after rinsing.

Ingestion:

If swallowed, rinse the mouth with water and drink fluids to ease ingestion.
Xanthan gum is non-toxic, but if any unusual symptoms occur, seek medical advice.

HANDLING AND STORAGE


Handling:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Use gloves and eye protection to prevent skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhaling dust by working in a well-ventilated area or wearing a mask.

Spill Management:
Sweep up spills gently to avoid dust dispersion and clean the area thoroughly.
Dispose of xanthan gum according to local regulations for biodegradable materials.


Storage:

Storage Conditions:
Store xanthan gum in a cool, dry location to prevent moisture absorption.
Keep containers tightly sealed to protect from humidity and contamination.

Temperature Control:
Maintain stable storage temperatures to preserve xanthan gum’s quality and performance.
Avoid high temperatures, which may degrade its thickening properties.

Container Integrity:
Use airtight containers made from compatible materials such as plastic or glass.
Check containers regularly to ensure they remain dry and uncontaminated.
 

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