Glucono-delta-Lactone
General information
Glucono-1,5-Lactone or GdL is a neutral cyclic ester of gluconic acid, produced with the acid by fermentation of glucose. It is separated from the acid by crystallisation.
GdL is a fine, white crystalline powder, freely soluble in water. It is practically odourless and has a slightly sweet taste. Non toxic, it is completely metabolised in the body like a carbohydrate.
When added into an aqueous solution, GdL rapidly dissolves, and subsequently slowly hydrolyses to gluconic acid, thus producing a gentle acidification in the same way as lactic acid-producing bacteria. In solution both gluconic acid and GdL are always in balance. The equivalent point and the rate of transformation are related to concentration, temperature and pH-value.
Two properties set GdL apart from other common acids and are the base of its application range:
- Through its slow hydrolysis to gluconic acid, it ensures a progressive and continuous decrease of pH to equilibrium. So it is used as a slow release acidifier.
- During its hydrolysis, the initial sweet taste of GdL becomes only slightly acidic, making the final flavour of an aqueous solution of GdL much less tart than the one of other acidifiers.
Specification
Jungbunzlauer glucono-delta-lactone is supplied in accordance with the latest requirements of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) and of Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012.
GdL is available as food grade and Personal Care grade.
For food grade we offer a granular and powder material and for Personal Care grade we offer a granular material. Special granulations are available upon request.
Jungbunzlauer glucono-delta-lactone is available in 25 kg net polyethylene (LDPE) bags or in 1000 kg net polypropylene big bags.
Properties
- Odourless
- Non-toxic
Main functions
- Controlled release acidulant
- Mild acidulant
- Curing accelerator
- Leavening agent
- Chelating agent
- Preservative agent enhancer
Applications
Pharma
- Acidifying agent
- Buffering agent
- Chelating agent
- Fire protection
Food
- Bakery
- Cereals, Snacks
- Confectionery
- Dairy
- Dairy Alternatives
- Desserts, Ice Cream
- Flavours
- Fruit Preparations, Sweet Spreads
- Fruits, Vegetables
- Meat Alternatives
- Meat, Seafood
- Plant-based Products
- Ready Meals, Instant Food
- Sauces, Dressings, Seasonings
- Fire protection
Industrial Applications
- Construction
- Fine Chemicals
- Fire protection
Personal Care
- Deodorants
- Hair Care
- Oral Care
- Skin Care
- Fire protection
Beverages
- Instant Drinks, Syrups
- Plant-based
- RTD Tea and Coffee
- Sports and Energy Drinks
- Waters
- Fire protection
Healthcare
- OTC, Food Supplements
- Pharmaceutical Products
- Fire protection
Legal aspects
In Europe, GdL is listed as a generally permitted food additive (E575) and may be added to all foodstuffs, following the "quantum satis" principle, as long as no special regulation restricts the use. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) assigned GdL the “generally recognised as safe” (GRAS) status and permitted its use in food as curing or pickling agent, leavening agent, sequestrant, or pH control agent without limitation other than current good manufacturing practice (21 CFR Ch. I §184.1318).
