Lecithin

Details:

Certainly! Here are the comprehensive details for soybean phosphatides, commonly known as soy lecithin:

Product Overview

Product Name: Soy Lecithin (Soybean Phosphatides)

Chemical Name: Lecithin

CAS Number: 8002-43-5 (Note: This number is also associated with soybean oil; however, it is commonly used for lecithin derived from soybeans.)

Composition

• Phosphatidylcholine (PC): Major component, typically 30-40%.
• Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE): Typically 20-30%.
• Phosphatidylinositol (PI): About 10-15%.
• Phosphatidylserine (PS): Approximately 1-5%.
• Other Lipids: Minor components including triglycerides, fatty acids, and glycolipids.

Physical and Chemical Properties

• Appearance:
  • Liquid Form: Yellowish to brownish viscous liquid.
  • Powder Form: Light-colored, free-flowing powder.
• Odor: Mild, characteristic soybean-like odor.
• Solubility: Amphiphilic; soluble in both water and organic solvents to varying degrees.
• Density: Approximately 0.92 g/cm³ for the liquid form.
• pH: Typically neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6-7).
• Melting Point: Varies; typically around 0-50°C depending on the specific form and composition.

Extraction and Processing

1. Extraction:

   • Source: Extracted from degummed soybean oil.
   • Method: Wet degumming or enzymatic degumming to separate phospholipids from the oil.

2. Refinement:

   • Degumming: Removal of phospholipids from crude soybean oil.
   • Purification: Further refined to remove impurities, resulting in a concentrated form of lecithin.

3. Formulation:

   • Liquid Form: Often used as a viscous oil or suspension.
   • Powder Form: Produced via spray drying or freeze-drying.

Applications

1. Food Industry:

   • Emulsifier: Used in margarine, salad dressings, sauces, and chocolates to stabilize emulsions and improve texture.
   • Nutritional Additive: Incorporated into dietary supplements and functional foods.

2. Pharmaceutical Industry:

   • Excipient: Enhances the solubility and bioavailability of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
   • Liposomal Formulations: Utilized in drug delivery systems for targeted and controlled release.

3. Cosmetics and Personal Care:

   • Skin Conditioning Agent: Used in skincare products for its moisturizing and emulsifying properties.
   • Emulsifier: Stabilizes emulsions in creams, lotions, and serums.

4. Animal Feed:

   • Nutritional Supplement: Improves digestibility and nutrient absorption in feed formulations.

Benefits

• Emulsification: Excellent at stabilizing oil-water mixtures.
• Nutritional Value: Provides essential fatty acids and phosphatidylcholine beneficial for health.
• Versatility: Applicable across various industries including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
• Natural and Safe: Derived from soybeans, considered safe and biocompatible.

Safety and Regulatory Information

• Food Safety: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by food safety authorities.
• Pharmaceutical Use: Adheres to pharmaceutical-grade quality control standards.
• Cosmetic Use: Compliant with cosmetic regulations and considered safe for topical use.

Storage and Handling

• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
• Shelf Life: Typically 12-24 months, depending on formulation and storage conditions.
• Handling: Use protective equipment to avoid inhalation and prolonged skin contact.

Summary

Soy lecithin (soybean phosphatides) is a versatile ingredient with significant applications in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and animal feed industries. Its functional properties as an emulsifier, combined with its nutritional benefits and safety profile, make it a valuable addition to a wide range of products.