A pharmaceutic aid consisting of dextrose, dextrins, maltose, and water, obtained by the incomplete hydrolysis of starch. Liquid Glucose is the syrup form of glucose which is a sugar and is one of the derivatives of corn starch or maize starch. Also known as glucose syrup or confectioner’s syrup, this derivative is made from the hydrolysis of starch. Liquid Glucose is an ideal additive for sweets, confectionary, biscuits, Ice creams, Jams, Jellies, preserves pastries & liquors due to its moderate sweetness & nutritive value. It also forms the base of artificial honey.
General Properties of Liquid Glucose
- Liquid glucose is a viscous light transparency liquid with an appearance of yellowish and transparency color.
- Liquid glucose and sweetness of the liquid glucose depends on the extent to which the hydrolysis of reaction take place.
- Liquid Glucose contains Maltose component to resist against crystallization of the product.
- Liquid glucose is highly hygroscopic with non-crystallizing nature helps the finished products in soft condition.
- Liquid glucose of high dextrose equivalent exhibits moderate osmotic pressure and inhibits microbial spoilage.
- Viscosity of Liquid Glucose is the most important physical Property which depends on the density, Dextrose Equivalent and temperature.
- Liquid glucose can also act as an emulsion stabilizer and freezing point depressant.
- Reducing action of Liquid glucose makes it strong oxidizing agents.
- Liquid glucose has strong fermentability because of its collective properties.
Production of Liquid Glucose
The hydrolysis of starch for the production of liquid glucose can either be acid hydrolysis or enzyme hydrolysis followed by refining and concentration. In the acid hydrolysis process, hydrochloric acid under medium pressure is used, while enzymes are involved in the enzyme hydrolysis process. The source of the starch can be maize (corn), potatoes, wheat, barley, rice, potatoes or cassava. Hydrolysis plant consists of various equipments in hydrolysis plant such as Tubular reactor, Filters, Ion exchange units, Evaporators, Storage tanks, boilers and cooling towers.