Glucomannan/polyhydric alcohol composition and film prepared therefrom
US4851394A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 29, 1986 |
| Grant date | Jul 25, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 29, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC08K5/053
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The invention provides a composition having a complex network structure that is formed by mixing glucomannan and optionally another natural polysaccharide with a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin or a concentrated water solution thereof in the presence or absence of an alkali. When dissolved in water, this composition forms an aqueous solution which can be shape and dried into a film. This film may be eaten directly. Alternatively, it may serve as the shell of a soft capsule or may be used as a food packaging material that is edible together with the food being packaged. The film can also be used as a semipermeable membrane for separating a low-molecular weight substance from a high-molecular weight substance. Other uses of the film include a casing for use in the manufacture of smoked food products and a wound dressing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.