Tri-Sodium Citrate Dihydrate: A Useful and Versatile Ingredient
2023/5/16
Tri-sodium citrate dihydrate is a salt of citric acid, a natural organic acid that is found in fruits and vegetables. It has the chemical formula Na3C6H5O7.2H2O and the CAS number 6132-04-3. It appears as white crystals or a crystalline powder, with a saline and mildly tart flavor.
Tri-sodium citrate dihydrate is used as an ingredient in various industries, such as food, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology. It can serve as a flavoring agent, a preservative, a buffer, an anticoagulant, and a chelating agent. It has many applications and benefits, such as:
In the food industry, it can be used to enhance the flavor and texture of beverages, dairy products, jams, sweets, baked goods, and processed meats. It can also prevent the growth of molds and bacteria, and extend the shelf life of food products. It is approved as a food additive by the FDA and other regulatory agencies, with the E number E331. In the pharmaceutical industry, it can be used to control the pH and solubility of drugs and formulations. It can also act as an anticoagulant in blood transfusions and dialysis solutions, by binding to calcium ions and preventing blood clotting. It can also help prevent kidney stones by alkalizing the urine and reducing the formation of calcium oxalate crystals. In the biotechnology industry, it can be used as a buffer component for chromatography steps or liquid formulations of biomolecules. It can also act as a chelating agent for metal ions that may interfere with the activity or stability of biomolecules .
Tri-sodium citrate dihydrate is a useful and versatile ingredient that can be used for various purposes and benefits. It is also a natural and safe ingredient that is derived from citric acid. However, its use should be regulated and optimized to ensure its quality and safety.