Gellan gum

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Gellan gum is a water-soluble polysaccharide produced by Sphingomonas elodea, a bacterium.

[edit] Microbiological gelling agent

Gellan gum, also known commercially as Phytagel™ or Gelrite®, is used primarily as a gelling agent, alternative to agar, in microbiological culture. it is able to withstand 120 °C heat, making it especially useful in culturing thermophilic organisms. One needs only approximately half the amount of gellan gum as agar to reach an equivalent gel strength, though the exact texture and quality depends on the concentration of divalent cations present.

[edit] Food science

As a food additive, gellan gum is used as a thickener, emulsifier, and stabiliser. It has E number E418. It was an integral part of the now defunct Orbitz soft drink.