- Xanthan gum is a high-molecular-weight extracellular polysaccharide produced by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris during fermentation.
- Structurally, it consists of a cellulose-like backbone of β-(1→4)-linked glucose units, with trisaccharide side chains containing mannose and glucuronic acid attached at regular intervals. This unique arrangement, combined with varying degrees of acetylation and pyruvylation, gives xanthan gum its exceptional ability to stabilize solutions, control viscosity, and form gels under a wide range of environmental conditions. Because of these properties, xanthan gum has become one of the most widely used biopolymers in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and industrial applications.
- In the food industry, xanthan gum is highly valued as a thickening, stabilizing, and suspending agent. It prevents phase separation in products such as salad dressings, sauces, beverages, and dairy alternatives, ensuring consistent texture and mouthfeel. One of its most remarkable features is its pseudoplastic behavior: xanthan solutions become less viscous when subjected to shear stress (such as stirring or pumping) but return to high viscosity at rest. This property allows for easy processing while maintaining stability in the final product. Additionally, xanthan gum provides stability across a broad range of pH, salt concentrations, and temperatures, making it suitable for diverse formulations. It is also widely used in gluten-free baking, where it mimics the structural properties of gluten to improve dough elasticity and bread texture.
- In the pharmaceutical and biomedical sectors, xanthan gum is applied as a controlled-release agent in drug formulations, where its ability to form stable gels regulates the release of active ingredients. It is used in oral, ophthalmic, and topical drug delivery systems, as well as in wound dressings due to its biocompatibility, moisture-retention, and protective properties. Its mucoadhesive qualities make it useful in nasal and buccal drug delivery systems, while chemically modified xanthan derivatives are being explored for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
- Xanthan gum also plays an important role in cosmetics and personal care products, where it is incorporated into lotions, creams, gels, and shampoos. It provides desirable viscosity, improves product stability, and enhances sensory qualities such as spreadability and smoothness. Because it is non-toxic, biodegradable, and compatible with a wide range of ingredients, it is considered a safe and eco-friendly choice in cosmetic formulations.
- In industrial applications, xanthan gum is used in enhanced oil recovery (EOR), mining, and drilling fluids, where its shear-thinning and viscosity-stabilizing properties are particularly valuable. It reduces friction, suspends particles, and maintains flow under extreme conditions of salinity, pressure, and temperature. It is also utilized in paints, inks, and adhesives to control viscosity and prevent settling.
- From a scientific and sustainability standpoint, xanthan gum represents a successful example of biopolymer commercialization. Its microbial production is renewable, and its structural versatility allows for chemical modifications that expand its functionality. Research into engineered Xanthomonas strains and optimized fermentation techniques continues to improve production efficiency and tailor xanthan gum for specialized uses.
