Glucono-delta-Lactone

Introduction

Glucono-delta-lactone (GdL) is a neutral cyclic ester of gluconic acid, originating from 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.

Functions

This ingredient offers you the following excellent functions.

• Acidification agent
• Buffering agent
• Chelating agent
• Coagulating agent​
• Exfoliation​
• Leavening agent​
• Mild acidification​
• Moisturising properties​
• pH-Regulation​
• Phosphate replacement​

Specifications

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, Personal Care grade and USP grade.
For food and USP 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 25kg net polyethylene (LDPE) bags or in 1000kg net polypropylene big bags.

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 Recognized 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).