Functionality
What determines the functionality of lecithins?
Phospholipids are the active constituents of lecithins. The basic structure of phospholipids is shown below with the differentiation between polar and non-polar molecular regions, which is the classical structure of surface active substances.
The phospholipid principle: polarity ► surface activity
Phospholipids may differ substantially in type of polar head group (see figure) as well as the length and saturation level of the fatty acid chains linked to the C1- and C2-positions.
Main phospholipids
With different phospholipids showing individual functionalities, it is evident that through distinct control/modification of the phospholipid pattern, a wide variety of lecithin products can be derived. These modified phospholipid structures can basically be called "lecithin"; however, they may develop entirely different functionalities in their individual application.
Our expertise lies in knowing the specific requirements of a broad spectrum of industries and the characteristic properties of the constituents of lecithin.
Implemented in a wide range of processes and technologies, this expertise is translated to special products optimized for specific applications.
Some Cargill products are only approved for use in certain geographies, end uses, and/or at certain usage levels. It is the customer's responsibility to determine, for a particular geography, that (i) the Cargill product, its use and usage levels, (ii) the customer's product and its use, and (iii) any claims made about the customer's product, all comply with applicable laws and regulations.
