Sigma-Aldrich Maltodextrin

Maltodextrin is a saccharide polymer categorized as a carbohydrate. It is derived from the enzymatic or acid hydrolysis of starch, typically from corn kernels, and subsequently purified and spray-dried. Maltodextrin is widely utilized in food, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications for its versatile properties, including its function as a stabilizer, bulking agent, and source of energy.

Key Properties:

1. Chemical Composition:
   • Biological Source: Corn kernels
   • Dextrose Equivalent (DE): 16.5 - 19.5
   • Molecular Formula: (C₆H₁₂O₆)n
   • Molecular Weight: Variable depending on polymer length
2. Physical Characteristics:
   • Form: Powder
   • Melting Point: ~240 °C (decomposition)
   • Appearance: White, odorless powder
   • Energy Value: 16 kJ/g
3. Chemical Identifiers:
   • InChI Key: GZCGUPFRVQAUEE-SLPGGIOYSA-N
   • CAS Number: Variable depending on polymer chain length

Applications:

1. Food and Beverage Industry:
   • Energy Source: Adds caloric value (16 kJ/g) to energy drinks, sports beverages, and nutritional supplements.
   • Stabilizer and Bulking Agent: Enhances texture and stability in processed foods, baked goods, and confectionery.
   • Encapsulation Agent: Used in food fortification, such as encapsulating bioactive compounds like catechins to improve stability and bioavailability.
2. Pharmaceutical Industry:
   • Tablet Formulations: Improves mechanical properties of tablets, serving as a binder and excipient for better compaction and performance.
   • Drug Delivery Systems: Plays a role in the aerodynamic performance of spray-freeze-dried powders for inhalable applications.
3. Biotechnology and Research:
   • Stabilizer in Nanoparticles: Used to enhance the stability of solid lipid nanoparticles for food and pharmaceutical applications.
   • Excipient for Drug Formulations: Optimizes tablet density and mechanical properties in pharmaceutical excipient research.
4. Industrial Use:
   • Coating Agent: Acts as a stabilizer in various coating applications.
   • Humectant: Maintains moisture content in industrial formulations.

Scientific Studies and Use Cases:

1. Food Fortification:
   • Maltodextrin effectively enhances the stability and bioavailability of catechins in food formulations (Shruthi et al., 2021).
2. Pharmaceutical Development:
   • It improves tablet mechanical properties and enhances drug delivery efficiency in spray-freeze-dried powders (Wanning et al., 2020).
3. Nanoparticle Stability:
   • Demonstrated to stabilize solid lipid nanoparticles for food-grade applications, extending their shelf life (Salminen et al., 2019).
4. Tablet Compaction Studies:
   • Used in tablet densification models to study mechanical properties and improve compaction performance (Picker, 2004).

Advantages:

• Versatility: Can be used across diverse industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology.
• Energy Source: Provides a quick energy boost, making it ideal for sports and nutritional applications.
• Stabilizer: Enhances the stability and shelf life of formulations, including nanoparticles and tablets.
• Solubility: Readily dissolves in water, making it easy to incorporate into liquid formulations.
• Non-toxic and Safe: GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status for food and pharmaceutical use.

Storage and Stability:

1. Storage Conditions:
   • Store in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and direct sunlight.
2. Shelf Life:
   • Stable for extended periods under recommended storage conditions.

Safety and Handling:

1. General Precautions:
   • Avoid inhalation of dust; handle in a well-ventilated area.
2. First Aid Measures:
   • In case of contact with skin or eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.
3. Disposal:
   • Dispose of in accordance with local environmental regulations.

Sigma-Aldrich Maltodextrin is a highly adaptable carbohydrate polymer that is essential in food technology, pharmaceutical formulations, and research. Its stability, energy contribution, and multifunctional properties make it an invaluable ingredient across multiple disciplines.