Wego is a global supplier of Xanthan Gum
Wego Chemical Group is a leading global supplier and distributor of polysaccharides such as Xanthan Gum, both in FCC and Technical grades. It can be found under CAS # 11138-66-2 or EINECS # 234-394-2, and is often referred to as E415, its code for European food additives. Xanthan Gum has the molecluar formula C35H49O29. It can also be referred to as Corn Sugar Gum and Gummi Xanthanum.
Xanthan Gum was originally discovered by the USDA in the early 20th century, and was commercialized for eventual widespread industrial use by manufacturer CP Kelco toward the middle of the century. CP Kelco gave it the ubiquitous trade name of Kelzan.
Xanthan Gum is synthesized via fermentation of glucose, sucrose, or lactose with Xanthomonas campestris, a bacteria known for creating naturally occuring spots on vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower. The result is a gooey substance which is then dried and ground into a fine powder, which then forms the gum once added to a liquid medium. It is very stable under a variety of conditions.
Xanthan Gum's primary uses are as a thickening agent. Adding small amounts of Xanthan Gum to liquids can vastly increase viscosity, making it useful for a variety of food products like salad dressings, sauces, ice creams and other frozen foods that require thickening. It can also be used as a replacement in gluten-free products and egg substitutes for texture. It serves a similar function as an additive for animal food and feed products.
Non-food usage of Xanthan Gum includes, most notably, in the industry of oil field services. Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a technique used to extract natural gas and oil trapped within underground shale rock. Fracking is done through the injection of fluids that fracture the shale rock, allowing its contents to flow out. Xanthan Gum is used as a key thickening agent in the down-well fluids, often referred to simply as "mud", used for fracturing shale rock.
Other non-food usages of Xanthan Gum include applications in agriculture, mining of salts and metals, lubricants, personal care and household goods.
As a leading supplier and distributor, Wego provides efficient and reliable logistics management, handling, stocking, and delivery of chemical products like Xanthan Gum, and can offer shipments in multiple packing sizes. Please contact Wego or request a quote or sample of Xanthan Gum today.
Posted on April 11, 2016