Pregelatinised Maize Starch
Pregelatinised Maize Starch is a modified starch derived from maize that has been pre-cooked and then dried. This process disrupts the crystalline structure, allowing it to absorb water and swell without the need for heating. It acts as an excellent binder, thickener, and disintegrant in various formulations, offering improved solubility and rapid hydration. Pregelatinised maize starch is widely used in pharmaceutical, food, and industrial applications due to its versatile functional properties.
Primary Uses Pharmaceuticals
Used as a binder and disintegrant in tablet formulations for improved compressibility and rapid drug release.
Acts as a filler and stabilizer in capsule and tablet production.
Used in suspensions and emulsions as a thickening agent.
Food Industry
Employed as a thickener, stabilizer, and fat replacer in sauces, soups, gravies, and bakery products.
Used to improve texture, mouthfeel, and shelf life of processed foods.
Cosmetics and Personal Care
Utilized as a thickener and stabilizer in creams, lotions, and powders.
Secondary Uses
Paper and Textile Industry
Used as a sizing agent and binder to improve surface properties and printability.
Adhesives
Acts as a natural binder in eco-friendly adhesive formulations.
Animal Feed
Used as a binding and thickening agent in feed pellets.
Basic Identification Attributes
Chemical Name (IUPAC): Modified starch (pregelatinised maize starch)
Common/Trade Name: Pregelatinised Maize Starch
CAS Number: 9005-25-8 (starch)
HS Code: 1108.14
Synonyms: Pre-gel starch; pre-cooked maize starch
Physical & Chemical Properties
Physical State: Fine powder
Color & Odor: Off-white; odorless
Solubility: Dispersible in cold water; swells without heating
Bulk Density: Approximately 0.5–0.7 g/cm³
Moisture Content: Typically below 14%
Safety & Hazard Attributes
GHS Classification: Generally regarded as safe (GRAS)
Toxicity: Non-toxic and non-irritant
Exposure Limits: No specific limits; standard hygiene recommended
Storage & Handling Attributes
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place, away from moisture
Container Type: Bags, drums, or bulk containers
Shelf Life: Typically 12–24 months
Handling Precautions: Avoid dust formation; use masks if dusty
Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
Complies with food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade standards (e.g., FCC, USP)
Meets requirements for food additives and excipients in major markets
Environmental & Health Impact
Biodegradability: Biodegradable and environmentally friendly
Ecotoxicity: Low impact
Bioaccumulation: Not significant
Safety Handling Precautions
PPE Required: Dust mask and gloves recommended when handling powder
Handling Guidelines: Use in well-ventilated areas; avoid inhalation of dust
Storage Measures: Keep containers sealed and dry
First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Move to fresh air if respiratory irritation occurs
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water if irritation occurs
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water if dust enters
Ingestion: Generally safe; seek medical advice if discomfort occurs
Firefighting Measures
Fire Hazards: Combustible dust; avoid dust accumulation
Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical
Special Precautions: Use respiratory protection to avoid dust inhalation during firefighting
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon oxides and organic vapors