What is Welan Gum and where does it come from?

Welan Gum also known as welan gum or welan polysaccharide, is a microbial polysaccharide produced by the bacterium Alcaligenes faecalis. It is an exopolysaccharide that is widely used as a thickening agent in various industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and oil drilling.

Originating from the fermentation process of Alcaligenes faecalis, welan gum is a natural, high molecular weight polysaccharide with a unique structure that provides excellent thickening and stabilizing properties. It is an anionic polysaccharide with a backbone consisting of glucose, glucuronic acid, and mannose units, which are connected by glycosidic linkages.

Welan gum is known for its exceptional thermal stability, shear-thinning behavior, and resistance to microbial degradation, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Its ability to form transparent and viscous solutions at low concentrations makes it an ideal choice for use in food products, personal care items, pharmaceutical formulations, and industrial processes.

In the food industry, welan gum is commonly used as a thickener and stabilizer in a variety of products including dairy alternatives, sauces, dressings, and beverages. Its pseudoplastic behavior allows for easy pumping and handling during processing, while its thermal stability makes it suitable for use in high-temperature applications such as pasteurization and sterilization.

In the pharmaceutical industry, welan gum is utilized as a suspending agent in oral liquid formulations and as a gelling agent in topical products. Its ability to enhance the rheological properties of formulations makes it an essential ingredient in the development of pharmaceutical products that require controlled release or extended shelf life.

Furthermore, welan gum is also employed in the production of personal care items such as lotions, creams, and gels due to its excellent emulsifying and stabilizing properties. Its compatibility with a wide range of cosmetic ingredients makes it a versatile additive for formulating various skin and hair care products.

In the oil drilling industry, welan gum is used as a viscosifier in drilling fluids to provide viscosity and suspension properties. Its resistance to shear degradation and thermal stability make it an effective additive for maintaining the integrity of drilling fluids under extreme conditions encountered during oil and gas exploration.

At Unionchem, we are committed to providing high-quality welan gum that meets the specific requirements of our customers. Our welan gum products are manufactured using advanced fermentation and purification processes to ensure consistent quality and performance. We offer welan gum in various grades to cater to different applications, and our technical team is available to provide customized solutions to meet the unique needs of our customers.

If you are interested in learning more about welan gum and its potential applications in your industry, we invite you to contact us to discuss your specific requirements. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing comprehensive technical support and product recommendations to help you achieve your formulation goals. We look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with you and contribute to the success of your business.