What Is Polysorbate?
Polysorbate esters, derived from the esterification of sorbitan‘s hydroxy groups with fatty acids, play versatile roles as nonionic surfactants in various industries, including food, cosmetics, and plastics.
Uses of Polysorbate
As surfactants, polysorbates find applications in enhancing food flavors and cosmetics formulations, and as antistatic, antifogging, and mold release agents in the plastic industry. Their selection is crucial, given the diversity in chemical properties among the polysorbates.
Properties of Polysorbate
Characterized by both hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups, polysorbates excel in emulsifying and dispersing, acting as a bridge between water and oil, thus facilitating various surfactant applications.
Structure of Polysorbate
Polysorbates can be categorized into spun and twin types, with their hydrophilicity influenced by the addition of ethylene oxide (twin type) or the fatty acid composition (spun type).
Types of Polysorbate
The diversity of polysorbate types is largely due to the variety of fatty acids that can esterify sorbitan, ranging from saturated to unsaturated, and affecting the compound’s hydrophilicity and applications.
Other Information on Polysorbate
Safety of Polysorbate
While spun polysorbates are considered low-hazard and permissible as food additives due to their benign decomposition, the twin-type polysorbates have seen regulatory evolution, with their use in food approved since 2008.