Propylene Glycol Alginate

Propylene Glycol Alginate Supplier in Europe

Propylene glycol alginate (PGA) is a food additive that is commonly used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and thickener in various food products. It is an ester of alginic acid, which is derived from kelp. PGA is generally regarded as safe by the FDA and is approved for use in food products.

PGA is a multi-purpose ingredient that can be used in a variety of food products such as salad dressings, ice cream, and beer. It is made by partial esterification of alginic acid and propylene glycol. PGA is soluble in both cold and hot water and forms smooth and viscous solutions. It is safe, synthetic, vegan, halal, kosher, and gluten-free.

PGA has been used in food products for many years and is considered safe for consumption. However, like any food additive, it is important to use PGA in moderation and to follow the recommended usage levels. Overall, PGA is a versatile and useful ingredient that plays an important role in the food industry.

Chemical Properties

Molecular Structure

Propylene glycol alginate (PGA) is an anionic, water-soluble, and branched polysaccharide derived from alginic acid, which is extracted from brown seaweed. PGA is an ester of alginic acid, where some of the carboxyl groups are esterified with propylene glycol, some are neutralized with an appropriate alkali, and some remain free. The molecular formula of PGA is (C9H14O7)n(esterified), and it has a molecular weight of approximately 4000-40,000 g/mol.

The molecular structure of PGA consists of a backbone of beta-D-mannuronic acid (M) and alpha-L-guluronic acid (G) residues, which are linked by 1,4-glycosidic bonds. The M and G residues are arranged in blocks or randomly distributed along the chain, which gives PGA its unique properties.

Physical Characteristics

PGA is a white to off-white, fibrous powder that is practically odorless and tasteless. It is soluble in both cold and hot water, and its solubility increases with the degree of esterification. PGA has a pH range of 3-9, and it is most stable in the pH range of 5-9. Small amounts of calcium ions greatly increase the stability of PGA solutions.

PGA solutions have a high viscosity, which makes them useful as thickening, stabilizing, and gelling agents in a variety of applications. PGA is commonly used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and thickener. PGA is also used in the oil and gas industry as a drilling fluid additive to control fluid loss and improve wellbore stability.

In conclusion, PGA is a versatile polysaccharide with unique chemical and physical properties that make it useful in a variety of applications. Its molecular structure and physical characteristics make it an excellent candidate for use as a thickening, stabilizing, and gelling agent in various industries.

Production and Synthesis

Raw Materials

Propylene glycol alginate (PGA) is an ester made from alginic acid and propylene glycol. Alginic acid is a natural polysaccharide found in brown seaweeds, while propylene glycol is a synthetic organic compound.

Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing process of PGA involves the following steps:

1. Extraction of alginic acid from brown seaweeds: The seaweeds are harvested and washed to remove impurities. Then, they are treated with an acid solution to dissolve the alginic acid. The resulting solution is filtered to remove any solid impurities.
2. Esterification of alginic acid with propylene glycol: The alginic acid solution is mixed with propylene glycol and an appropriate catalyst. The mixture is heated and stirred to promote the chemical reaction between alginic acid and propylene glycol. The resulting product is PGA.
3. Purification of PGA: The PGA product is purified by filtration, washing, and drying. The final product is a white to off-white powder.

The stability of PGA solutions is greatly influenced by pH and the presence of calcium ions. Small amounts of calcium greatly increase the stability of sodium alginate solutions. Propylene glycol alginate solutions are stable at room temperature from pH 3-4; below pH 2 and above pH 6 they will lose viscosity quickly even at room temperature. PGA is commonly used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in food products such as salad dressings, ice cream, and beer.

Applications and Uses

Propylene glycol alginate (PGA) is a versatile ingredient that finds application in various industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Here are some of its common uses:

Food Industry

PGA is widely used in the food industry as a stabilizer, thickener, and emulsifier. It is commonly used in salad dressings, ice cream, beer, and other food products. In beer production, PGA is used to stabilize the foam and improve the beer’s overall quality. PGA is also used in dairy products to prevent separation and improve texture. In addition, PGA is used in bakery products to improve dough stability and shelf life.

Pharmaceuticals

PGA is used in the pharmaceutical industry as a binder, disintegrant, and tablet coating agent. It is commonly used in tablets and capsules to improve their stability, solubility, and bioavailability. PGA is also used in topical formulations such as creams and lotions to improve their texture and stability.

Cosmetics

PGA is used in the cosmetics industry as a thickener and emulsifier. It is commonly used in hair care products such as shampoos and conditioners to improve their texture and stability. PGA is also used in skin care products such as lotions and creams to improve their texture and moisturizing properties.

Overall, propylene glycol alginate is a versatile ingredient that finds application in various industries. Its unique properties make it an essential ingredient in many products we use every day.

Health and Safety

Regulatory Status

Propylene glycol alginate (PGA) is approved for use as a food additive in the United States and Europe. The European food additive number for it is E405. It is commonly used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in various food products such as salad dressings, ice cream, and beer.

Safety Guidelines

The safety of propylene glycol alginate has been evaluated by various regulatory agencies, and it has been deemed safe for consumption at the levels allowed in food products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified PGA as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS), which means that it is considered safe for use in food at the levels specified.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of PGA is not specified, as it is considered to be of low toxicity and not likely to pose a risk to human health at the levels used in food products. However, it is recommended that the level of PGA in food products should not exceed the maximum level specified by regulatory agencies.

In conclusion, propylene glycol alginate is a safe food additive when used in accordance with regulatory guidelines. It has been approved for use in various food products and is considered to be of low toxicity. However, it is important to follow safety guidelines and use it within the specified limits to ensure its safety for consumption.

Global Market and Suppliers

Market Trends

Propylene Glycol Alginate (PGA) is a food additive that is widely used in the food and beverage industry as a stabilizer, thickener, and emulsifier. The global propylene glycol alginate market is expected to grow at a steady pace in the coming years due to the increasing demand for processed food and beverages. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global propylene glycol alginate market size was valued at USD 13.9 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 19.444 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.80% during the forecast period (2023 – 2032).

The growing demand for propylene glycol alginate in the food and beverage industry is primarily driven by its functional properties such as its ability to stabilize and emulsify food products. Additionally, propylene glycol alginate is also used in the pharmaceutical and industrial sectors due to its thickening and gelling properties.

Propylene Glycol Alginate Supplier

There are several suppliers of propylene glycol alginate in the global market. SoleChem SRL is one of the leading supplier for PGA with other big companies. These companies offer a wide range of propylene glycol alginate products that cater to the needs of various industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and industrial.

The suppliers of propylene glycol alginate offer different grades of the product based on its application. For instance, food-grade propylene glycol alginate is used in the food and beverage industry, while industrial-grade propylene glycol alginate is used in the industrial sector.

Propylene Glycol Alginate Supplier in Europe

Europe is one of the major markets for propylene glycol alginate, and there are several suppliers of the product in the region. Some of the leading suppliers of propylene glycol alginate in Europe is SoleChem SRL with other companies. These companies offer a wide range of propylene glycol alginate products that cater to the needs of various industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and industrial.

The suppliers of propylene glycol alginate in Europe adhere to strict quality standards and regulations to ensure the safety and quality of their products. Additionally, these companies also offer technical support and assistance to their customers to help them choose the right product for their application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the chemical structure of propylene glycol alginate?

Propylene glycol alginate (PGA) is an ester made from alginic acid and propylene glycol. It is composed of two monosaccharides, alginic acid, and mannuronic acid, to create a linear polymer with viscosity reliant on the degree of polymerization in the alginate chain.

How is propylene glycol alginate utilized in the food industry?

PGA is a multi-purpose ingredient that can be used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in food such as in salad dressings, ice cream, and beer. It is a common food additive used to improve the texture and stability of various food products.

What are the potential side effects associated with consuming propylene glycol alginate?

According to a study in five healthy men, consuming PGA at doses of 175 mg/kg for 7 days followed by 200 mg/kg for 16 days did not result in any adverse effects. However, excessive consumption of PGA may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

What is the chemical formula of propylene glycol alginate?

The chemical formula of PGA is C9H14O7.

Can you provide the CAS number for propylene glycol alginate?

The CAS number for PGA is 9005-37-2.

How does propylene glycol alginate differ from sodium alginate in terms of chemical properties and uses?

PGA and sodium alginate are both derived from alginic acid, but PGA is esterified with propylene glycol, while sodium alginate is esterified with sodium. PGA is commonly used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in food products, while sodium alginate is often used as a gelling agent in food and pharmaceutical products.