The Basics of Gelatin

• What is gelatin – in simple terms?
• Chemical information
• Qualities that make it special
• A versatile and valuable nutritional product

What is gelatin - in simple terms?

In simple terms, gelatin is collagen that has been broken down into smaller fragments that are naturally soluble in water.  It is also a protein obtained by partially dissolving collagen in water, which is the primary protein constituent of animal connective tissue, such as bone and skin.  Unlike most proteins, gelatin has a broad molecular weight distribution that improves its ability to meet specific customer requirement and products.

Chemical information

Although like all proteins, gelatin is composed of amino acids, it is comparatively unique in its amino acid composition, because it has high percentages of glycine, proline and hydroxyproline.  This composition makes available one of gelatin’s most useful properties, the ability to form a thermo-reversible gel.  This gelling feature is usually quantified by a measurement called Bloom or gel strength. This is a key factor for matching the suitability of specific grades of gelatin for different products and uses.

What makes gelatin special?

Gelatin has many properties that have made it uniquely suited for a wide variety of uses.  These same properties, and the fact that gelatin is easily digested, have resulted in extensive use in the pharmaceutical industry.  In addition to being the key ingredient in hard and soft capsules, gelatin can be used as a binder or compounding agent for tablets and as a protective coating for medications. 

Gelatin is also widely utilized in the food industry where it can function as a jellying agent, thickener, foaming agent, stabilizer, emulsifier, or binder.

For well over a century, gelatin has been a critical ingredient in the production of photographic paper and film because of its protective colloid properties and its ability to form thin films.

Customers have found many uses for gelatin, everything from adhesives to cosmetics, paintballs to golf balls and much, much more.  Gelatin is truly a unique and versatile material which can be utilized in a wide range of practical applications.