Xanthan gum is a naturally occurring, non-toxic, and biodegradable polysaccharide (complex sugar) derived from the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. It's a popular food additive and industrial thickening agent, known for its unique properties:
_High viscosity at low concentrations_
_Excellent thickening and stabilizing agent_
_Resistant to temperature, pH, and salt changes_
_Non-toxic and hypoallergenic_
Applications:
1. _Food industry_: Salad dressings, sauces, beverages, dairy products, and baked goods.
2. _Cosmetics_: Toothpaste, lotions, creams, and shampoos.
3. _Pharmaceuticals_: Suspensions, emulsions, and tablets.
4. _Oil and gas_: Drilling fluids and mobility control.
5. _Agriculture_: Pesticide formulations and soil conditioners.
Benefits:
1. _Improves texture and stability_
2. _Enhances shelf life_
3. _Reduces separation and settling_
4. _Supports emulsification and suspension_
5. _Non-toxic and environmentally friendly_
