Question
Posted on: March 6 2013A loco-replacement of VOLUMEN?
We would like to make a preparation with locust bean gum (LBG) 0.2% and sorbitol 2% w/V. Does anyone here have experience with regard to formula, stability and any taste corrigens? Where do you order LBG?
Answer
VOLUMEN contains 0.2% LBG and 2.5% mannitol. Mannitol is distinguished from sorbitol because of its higher hygroscopic properties. I suspect that mannitol also binds more and stronger water. It is available as a raw material on the Belgian market. In contrast, LBG is not available as a registered raw material. The polymer that is closest to it is guar gum. There is only a difference in the relationship galactose to mannose. The only problem is finding the concentration, which is equivalent to 0.2% LBG. Since I suspect you have no VOLUMEN in stock I recommend you to request a sample LBG at Cargill Europe BVBA, Bedrijven Laan 9, B-2800 Mechelen, Tel: + 32 (0) 15 400 411. The producer of VOLUMEN states that the viscosity should be averaged 130 mPa. s, measured with the Brookfield device (LVF 1; 30). I think you do not possess such a device. There are two possible solutions:
- rely on the laboratory of Prof. De Meester (Faculty of Pharmacy, UGent) and ask that they do the measurements.
- measure the spout time from an eyedropper of a given volume (10 or 20 ml) solution. This method is an alternative but any alternative is less good.