Xanthan Gum, a versatile ingredient with various applications, is a growing trend in multiple industries. In art and food it's valued as a binder and thickener. Discover the background, production, creation process, and diverse uses of Xanthan Gum for artists and chefs.
What is Xanthan Gum?
Xanthan gum is a thickening agent and stabilizer derived from the fermentation of sugars by a specific bacterium known as Xanthomonas campestris. This polysaccharide is known for its unique ability to provide viscosity and stabilize emulsions, even at low concentrations.
Upon mixing with water, xanthan gum forms a gel-like texture. Xanthan gum is used in the food industry to enhance texture, thickness, and longevity of products like salad dressings, soups, sauces and baked goods. It's good for people with coeliac disease or sensitivity who need a gluten-free diet.
When is Xanthan Gum Discovered?
Xanthan gum is discovered in 1963. Researchers at the USDA’s Northern Regional Research Lab, led by Dr. Allene Rosalind Jeanes, focus on isolating and studying polysaccharides produced by microorganisms. Once again bacteria are at the forefront of revelation.
The scientists discover the common bacteria Xanthomonas campestris, found on vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli, produces a viscous gum when fed with sugars. This accidental discovery brings value to xanthan gum's exceptional thickening capabilities.
How is Xanthan Gum Made?
The creation of Xanthan Gum involves cultivating Xanthomonas campestris bacteria in a nutrient-rich medium, followed by a process of purification and drying. This process ensures the production of high-quality xanthan gum used in various disciplines.
The production of xanthan gum goes through a series of processes:
Fermentation: The process begins with the cultivation of Xanthomonas campestris in a controlled environment. A nutrient-rich medium, often containing sugars, is prepared, and the bacteria are added to feast with joyous abandon. As they metabolize the sugars, they secrete polysaccharides, producing xanthan gum.
Harvesting: After fermentation, the xanthan gum is separated from the bacterial cells. This is typically done through a centrifugation process, which separates the biomass from the liquid containing the gum.
Purification: The extracted xanthan gum undergoes purification. This step may involve filtration or precipitation to remove impurities and concentrate the xanthan gum solution.
Drying: The purified solution is then dried, often using spray drying techniques, creating a fine powder. It reveals its thickening properties when rehydrated.
Milling: Finally, the xanthan gum is milled to achieve a uniform particle size. This process ensures the final product is consistent in quality and effective in applications.
Uses of Xanthan Gum
1. Medical
In the medical field, xanthan gum is utilized for its thickening and stabilizing properties in various pharmaceutical formulations. It is used in gels, ointments, and liquid medications to enhance texture and improve delivery mechanisms.
Xanthan gum is known for its ability to help people who have dietary restrictions. It can be included in oral supplements and nutritional products, as a suitable thickening agent without compromising flavor or stability.
In the medical industry, xanthan gum is used to create suspensions and thickeners for various medications. Its properties enable the controlled release of drugs.
2. Artistic
Artists use xanthan gum as an alternative to gum arabic (acacia gum). It can create unique textures in paint and other mediums. Its ability to thicken and stabilize solutions makes it an excellent choice for producing paints that require a specific viscosity.
It's used by sculptors for its adherence and painters, ink and pigment paint makers as a binding agent. Xanthan gum improves paint fluidity and adhesion. It helps control paint or coatings to maintain spreadability and prevent rampant drainage.
3. Food
Xanthan gum is perhaps most widely recognized gum in the culinary world. It acts as a thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier, and foaming agent, making it essential in numerous food products from sauces and dressings to gluten-free baking.
Xanthan gum is an ingredient in dairy products like ice cream, and some beverages. Its ability to improve shelf-life and texture of many products makes it a favorite among food manufacturers.
4. Other
Beyond medical and culinary uses, xanthan gum is employed in various industrial applications. It’s commonly found in cosmetics, personal care products, and household items, such as lotions and shampoos, where its thickening attributes improve texture and consistency.
Xanthan gum is used in the oil and gas industry as a drilling mud additive to increase viscosity and stabilize boreholes. Xanthan gum also finds a friend in pet food.
Largest Producers of Xanthan Gum
Xanthan gum is produced worldwide, but the largest producers are located in the United States and China. In the U.S., companies like Cargill and Dupont are significant players in xanthan gum production.
China has emerged as a major global producer, leveraging its agricultural resources and manufacturing capabilities to meet the increasing demand for this gum. Austria is also an exporter of xanthan gum.
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