CURDLAN
Prepared at the 57th JECFA (2001) and published in FNP 52 Add 9 (2001), superseding specifications prepared at the 53rd JECFA (1999) and publishedin FNP 52 Add 7 (1999). An ADI “not specified” was established at the 57th JECFA (2001). SYNONYMS Beta-1,3-glucan; INS No. 424
DEFINITION Curdlan is a high molecular weight polysaccharide consisting of β-1,3-linked glucose units, produced by pure-culture fermentation from a non-pathogenic and non-toxicogenic strain of Agrobacterium biovar 1 (identified as Alcaligenes faecalis var. myxogenes at the time of discovery) or
Agrobacterium radiobacter. Curdlan consists of β-(1,3)-linked glucose residues and has the unusual property of forming an elastic gel upon heating
its aqueous suspension.
C.A.S. number 54724-00-4
Chemical formula (C6H10O5)n
Assay Not less than 80% (calculated as anhydrous glucose)
DESCRIPTION Odourless or almost odourless, white to nearly white powder.
FUNCTIONAL USES Firming agent, gelling agent, stabilizer, thickener.
