Dextrin: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|A group of low-molecular-weight carbohydrates produced by the hydrolysis of starch}}
Dextrin
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}


'''Dextrin''' is a group of low-molecular-weight [[carbohydrates]] produced by the hydrolysis of [[starch]] or [[glycogen]]. Dextrins are mixtures of polymers of [[D-glucose]] units linked by _-(1_4) or _-(1_6) glycosidic bonds. They are used in various industrial applications, including as adhesives, in food processing, and in pharmaceuticals.
[[File:Poly-(1-4)-alpha-D-Glucose.svg|thumb|right|Structure of poly-(1-4)-alpha-D-glucose, a component of dextrin.]]
 
'''Dextrin''' is a group of low-molecular-weight carbohydrates produced by the hydrolysis of [[starch]] or [[glycogen]]. Dextrins are mixtures of polymers of [[D-glucose]] units linked by α-(1→4) or α-(1→6) glycosidic bonds. They are used in food processing, pharmaceuticals, and as adhesives.


==Production==
==Production==
Dextrins are produced by the hydrolysis of starch using heat, acid, or enzymes. The process involves breaking down the starch into smaller carbohydrate molecules. The degree of hydrolysis determines the type of dextrin produced, ranging from white dextrins to yellow dextrins, each with different properties and uses.
Dextrins are produced by the hydrolysis of starch using heat, acid, or enzymes. The process involves breaking down the starch into smaller carbohydrate molecules. The degree of hydrolysis determines the type of dextrin produced, ranging from white dextrins to yellow dextrins.


==Types of Dextrins==
==Types of Dextrins==
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* '''White dextrins''': Produced by dry heating of starch, they are used as water-soluble glues and in food products.
* '''White dextrins''': Produced by dry heating of starch, they are used as water-soluble glues and in food products.
* '''Yellow dextrins''': Also known as British gum, these are produced by heating starch in the presence of acid and are used in adhesives and coatings.
* '''Yellow dextrins''': Also known as British gum, they are produced by heating starch in the presence of acid and are used in adhesives and coatings.
* '''Maltodextrins''': These are short chains of glucose molecules and are used as food additives for their thickening and stabilizing properties.
* '''Maltodextrins''': These are short chains of glucose molecules and are used as food additives.


==Applications==
==Applications==
Dextrins have a wide range of applications due to their adhesive properties and solubility:
Dextrins have a wide range of applications due to their adhesive properties and solubility:


* '''Food Industry''': Dextrins are used as thickeners, stabilizers, and sweeteners in various food products. They are also used in the production of [[beer]] and [[whisky]] as part of the mashing process.
* In the food industry, dextrins are used as thickeners, stabilizers, and sweeteners.
 
* In pharmaceuticals, they serve as excipients and binders in tablet formulations.
* '''Pharmaceuticals''': In the pharmaceutical industry, dextrins are used as excipients in tablet formulations and as carriers for drug delivery systems.
* In the paper and textile industries, dextrins are used as adhesives and sizing agents.
 
* '''Adhesives''': Dextrins are used in the production of adhesives for envelopes, stamps, and paper products due to their strong adhesive properties.


* '''Textiles''': In the textile industry, dextrins are used as sizing agents to improve the strength and stiffness of fabrics.
==Chemical Structure==
[[File:Dextrin_skeletal.svg|thumb|left|Skeletal structure of dextrin.]]
Dextrins are composed of D-glucose units linked primarily by α-(1→4) glycosidic bonds. The structure can vary depending on the degree of polymerization and the presence of branching through α-(1→6) linkages.


==Health and Nutrition==
==Related Pages==
Dextrins are generally considered safe for consumption and are often used as dietary fiber supplements. They are partially digestible and can aid in digestion and improve gut health. However, excessive consumption may lead to digestive discomfort in some individuals.
 
==Images==
[[File:Dextrin_structure.png|thumb|right|Chemical structure of dextrin]]
[[File:Starch_hydrolysis.png|thumb|left|Hydrolysis of starch to form dextrin]]
 
==Related pages==
* [[Starch]]
* [[Starch]]
* [[Glycogen]]
* [[Carbohydrate]]
* [[Carbohydrate]]
* [[Maltodextrin]]
* [[Maltodextrin]]
* [[Glycogen]]


[[Category:Carbohydrates]]
[[Category:Carbohydrates]]
[[Category:Food additives]]
[[Category:Food additives]]
[[Category:Pharmaceuticals]]
[[Category:Polysaccharides]]

Latest revision as of 14:19, 21 February 2025

Dextrin

File:Poly-(1-4)-alpha-D-Glucose.svg
Structure of poly-(1-4)-alpha-D-glucose, a component of dextrin.

Dextrin is a group of low-molecular-weight carbohydrates produced by the hydrolysis of starch or glycogen. Dextrins are mixtures of polymers of D-glucose units linked by α-(1→4) or α-(1→6) glycosidic bonds. They are used in food processing, pharmaceuticals, and as adhesives.

Production[edit]

Dextrins are produced by the hydrolysis of starch using heat, acid, or enzymes. The process involves breaking down the starch into smaller carbohydrate molecules. The degree of hydrolysis determines the type of dextrin produced, ranging from white dextrins to yellow dextrins.

Types of Dextrins[edit]

Dextrins can be classified into several types based on their production method and properties:

  • White dextrins: Produced by dry heating of starch, they are used as water-soluble glues and in food products.
  • Yellow dextrins: Also known as British gum, they are produced by heating starch in the presence of acid and are used in adhesives and coatings.
  • Maltodextrins: These are short chains of glucose molecules and are used as food additives.

Applications[edit]

Dextrins have a wide range of applications due to their adhesive properties and solubility:

  • In the food industry, dextrins are used as thickeners, stabilizers, and sweeteners.
  • In pharmaceuticals, they serve as excipients and binders in tablet formulations.
  • In the paper and textile industries, dextrins are used as adhesives and sizing agents.

Chemical Structure[edit]

File:Dextrin skeletal.svg
Skeletal structure of dextrin.

Dextrins are composed of D-glucose units linked primarily by α-(1→4) glycosidic bonds. The structure can vary depending on the degree of polymerization and the presence of branching through α-(1→6) linkages.

Related Pages[edit]