Sclerotium Gum

By Maria Miller

INCI: Sclerotium Gum

CAS: 39464-87-4

RAW Material: Sclerotium Rolfsii

Sclerotium Gum is an entirely natural polysaccharide frequently utilized in various applications due to its gelling, stabilizing, and hydrating properties. (2)

This renewable resource is obtained through the fermentation of Sclerotium Rolfsii, a corticoid fungus from the order of Amylocorticiales, in a glucose-enriched medium. (2)

It is an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to petroleum-based ingredients. The ingredient is safe for cosmetics and other applications thanks to its favorable toxicology profile. (2)

One of the best things about sclerotium gum is that it is biodegradable. This means microorganisms can break it down into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass, making it a great alternative to non-biodegradable synthetic polymers. (1,2)

The production process requires glucose from corn, wheat, or sugar cane. It can have negative environmental impacts due to the intensive use of land, water, fertilizers, pesticides, and equipment that needs resources to operate. (2,3)

The fermentation of Sclerotium Rolfsii requires precise control of various factors such as pH, temperature, and aeration to guarantee its quality and consistency. However, this control also means that the production process consumes energy and requires equipment with environmental and economic costs. One of the significant ecological costs is the emission of greenhouse gases during energy production (2,3)

After the fermentation cycle, the broth is sterilized to kill the fungal cells and inactivate unwanted enzymes. The cells are then separated from the exopolysaccharide (sclerotium gum), obtained in powder form after drying and blending to achieve a homogeneous mixture. (2,3)

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