Gellan Gum

Presence of sodium and in particular calcium inhibits proper hydration.
Addition of a sequestrant such as sodium citrate binds calcium and helps hydration. 


Name
gellan gum (E418)
low acyl (LA)
gellan gum(E418)
high acyl (HA)
Origin

polysaccharide obtained by
fermentation ofSphingomonas elodea
polysaccharide obtained by
fermentation of Sphingomonas
elodea
Properties,
texture

thermoirreversible, hard,
brittle gel; sodium/potassium
ions give thermoreversible
gels
thermoreversible, soft, elastic gel;
thickener if not heated

Clarity
transparent
opaque
Dispersion
cold water; d. is improved
(allowing add. to hot
solutions) by mixing with
sugar (3-5x), glycerol, alcohol
or oils (3-5x); hard water
promotes d.
cold water; d. is improved (allowing
add. to hot solutions) by mixing with
sugar (3-5x), glycerol, alcohol or oils
(3-5x); hard water promotes d.
Hydration
(dissolution)

90-95 °C; keep pH > 3.9; add
sugar after hydration;
inhibited in presence of
sodium and calcium, but 0.1-
0.3% sodium citrate helps
85-95 °C; can be hydrated at pH <
4; less sensitive to ions; add sugar
after hydration
pH
4-10
3-10

Setting

10-60 °C, rapid (minutes)

70-80 °C
Melting
does not melt
70-80 °C
Promoter

gelling promoted by calcium,
magnesium, sodium,
potassium and acids
gelling is not sensitive to ions
Inhibitor

will not hydrate at pH < 3.9 or
with sodium/calcium salts
present


Tolerates

salts, acidic foods

Viscosity of
solution
low
high
Typical
conc.
0.4-0.7% for gels (self
supporting from 0.05%);
[0.03-2.6%]*
0.4-0.7% for gels (self supporting
from 0.2%); [0.03-2.6%]*



Syneresis
no (if left untouched)
no

Keywords:Gellan Gum, low acyl,high acyl,LA,HA,E418
Supported by: CINOGEL BIOTECH,gellan gum manufacturer,available at:www.cinogel.com