Xantham Gum
Xanthan Gum is a high-molecular-weight polysaccharide produced by fermentation of glucose or sucrose by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. It is widely used as a thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying agent in various industries due to its excellent viscosity properties, even at low concentrations. Xanthan Gum imparts improved texture, consistency, and shelf life to finished products, making it indispensable in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial formulations.
Xantham Gum
Primary Uses
Food Industry
- Thickener & Stabilizer: Used in sauces, dressings, dairy products, baked goods, and beverages to improve texture and prevent ingredient separation.
- Gluten Replacement: Provides dough elasticity and structure in gluten-free baking.
- Suspension Agent: Keeps particles evenly suspended in liquids such as salad dressings and beverages.
Pharmaceutical Industry
- Suspending Agent: Used in suspensions, gels, and topical formulations to maintain uniform distribution of active ingredients.
- Controlled Release: Acts as a matrix former in controlled drug delivery systems.
Cosmetic Industry
- Emulsifier & Stabilizer: Enhances texture and stability of lotions, creams, shampoos, and conditioners.
Oil & Gas Industry
- Drilling Fluids: Used as a viscosifier and stabilizer in drilling muds to control fluid loss and maintain borehole stability.
Secondary Uses
Textile Industry
- Thickening Agent: Applied in textile printing pastes for uniform dye distribution.
Agriculture
- Seed Coating: Used to improve seed handling and moisture retention.
Industrial Applications
- Adhesives: Enhances viscosity and bonding properties in water-based adhesives.
- Paints & Coatings: Acts as a rheology modifier to improve flow and stability.
Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Polysaccharide produced by Xanthomonas campestris
- Common/Trade Name: Xanthan Gum
- CAS Number: 11138-66-2
- HS Code: 1302.19.00
- Synonyms: Xanthan, E415 (food additive code)
Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Fine powder
- Color & Odor: Off-white to cream; odorless
- Solubility: Soluble in cold and hot water, forming viscous solutions
- Viscosity: High viscosity even at low concentrations
- pH Stability: Stable across a wide pH range (3–12)
- Thermal Stability: Stable up to about 120°C
Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous
- Toxicity: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food use
- Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits
Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from moisture and contaminants
- Container Type: Bags or drums
- Shelf Life: Typically 24 months if stored properly
- Handling Precautions: Avoid dust formation; handle with adequate ventilation
Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Complies with: FDA food additive regulations, EU food safety standards, and other international regulatory bodies
- Manufactured under: Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
- Food Grade: Meets food-grade quality and safety requirements
Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Biodegradable and environmentally friendly
- Ecotoxicity: Low environmental impact
- Bioaccumulation: Not significant
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Dust mask recommended during handling of powder
- Handling Guidelines: Use local exhaust ventilation to minimize dust exposure
- Storage Measures: Keep containers tightly closed and dry
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if respiratory irritation occurs
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water if irritation develops
- Eye Contact: Rinse with water for 15 minutes; seek medical help if irritation persists
- Ingestion: Generally safe; seek medical advice if adverse effects occur
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Non-flammable, but powder may form dust clouds that can be combustible under specific conditions
- Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, or dry chemical extinguisher
- Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon oxides and other combustion gases