SECTION 10: APPLICATIONS IN PHARMACEUTICAL, COSMETIC, AND INDUSTRIAL FIELDS
Versatility of Gellan Gum Beyond Food
Gellan gum's unique physicochemical properties have positioned it as a multifunctional biopolymer beyond the food industry. In pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and various industrial domains, it enables innovative formulation approaches while contributing to stability, safety, and performance.
💊 1. PHARMACEUTICAL APPLICATIONS
🔹 Key Uses:
-
Controlled drug delivery systems
Forms ion-activated hydrogels that enable timed or sustained release of active compounds in oral, ophthalmic, and topical formulations. -
Ophthalmic preparations
Enhances viscosity and retention in eye drops and ocular gels, increasing bioavailability and therapeutic duration. -
Tablet binder and disintegrant
Improves mechanical strength of tablets while allowing controlled disintegration for modified drug release profiles. -
Wound dressings and hydrogels
Provides moisture retention, forms protective films, and supports gradual active ingredient release for wound healing.
✅ Advantages:
- Excellent biocompatibility and non-toxicity
- Forms stable gels in the presence of cations (e.g., Ca²⁺) without heat
- Transparent, neutral-tasting — suitable for oral and topical use
💄 2. COSMETIC APPLICATIONS
🔹 Key Uses:
-
Thickener & stabilizer
Refines the texture and flow of creams, lotions, shampoos, and gels. -
Film-forming agent
Creates flexible, breathable films on the skin or hair for a smooth finish and enhanced conditioning. -
Suspension agent
Maintains homogeneous dispersion of actives, pigments, and oils in emulsions and serums. -
Hydrating base
Used in moisturizing gels, sheet masks, and soothing products.
🧪 Formulation Tips:
- Typical usage: 0.1% to 0.5%
- Combine with xanthan gum, carbomers, or guar derivatives for better spreadability and feel
🏭 3. INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS
🔹 Key Uses:
-
Printing inks & paints
Acts as a rheology modifier and suspension stabilizer, ensuring even pigment flow and smooth application. -
Adhesives
Enhances viscosity and stickiness in water-based adhesives used in packaging and labeling. -
Agricultural formulations
Functions as a controlled-release matrix for fertilizers, pesticides, and microbial inoculants. -
Microencapsulation
Enables encapsulation of sensitive actives (e.g., flavors, fragrances, enzymes) for protection and timed release.
🌍 Benefits:
- Thermally stable with customizable gelation profiles based on ionic strength
- Fully biodegradable and eco-friendly — suitable for sustainable industrial formulations
📊 Summary of Non-Food Applications
| Sector | Functional Role | Typical Usage Range | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceutical | Drug delivery, binder, hydrogel | 0.1–1.0% | Biocompatible, sustained release |
| Cosmetics | Thickener, film former, suspender | 0.1–0.5% | Stability, hydration, clean texture |
| Industrial | Rheology control, encapsulation | Variable | Thermal stability, eco-friendliness |
