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The Many Faces of Propylene Glycol
How often do you hear of a chemical that acts as an antifreeze, can be used to create polymers in the plastics industry, yet is safe enough to be used in food? Propylene glycol meets all those requirements and can be used in these capacities as well as dozens of others. Industrial chemical supplier, Bell Chem, discusses its uses:
Propylene glycol absorbs water to maintain a correct moisture balance in medicines, cosmetics and food products.
When mixed with water, propylene glycol is utilized in the entertainment industry and for fire training exercises; as the ingredients added to a fog machine, the vaporization of this mixture is emitted as a dense fog. This same phenomenon works at home: propylene glycol is also used in home vaporizers.
In paints and plastics, propylene glycol is the choice for synthetic resins. In fact, a whopping 45% of propylene glycol produced is used as chemical feedstock in the production of unsaturated polyester resins.
Food colors and flavors have a propylene glycol base; it is almost completely odorless and tasteless and adds viscosity to products.
Electronic cigarettes utilize propylene glycol as its “e-liquid” with vegetable glycerin.
The pharmaceutical industry relies on propylene glycol as a solvent for many water insoluble oral, injectable, and topical drugs.
Ethylene glycol was the antifreeze of choice years ago, but this deadly concoction proved to be enticing for animals to consume. Propylene glycol is much safer for animals and consumers as a de-icing fluid.
Veterinarians find propylene glycol helpful in the oral treatment of hyperketonaemia in animals with a rumen.
The food industry adds propylene glycol to liquid sweeteners, ice cream, soda, whipped cream, and coffee-based beverages.
Learn more about this multifaceted chemical by calling industrial chemical supplier Bell Chem at (407) 339-BELL (2355) and speaking with one of our knowledgeable representatives. You can also contact us online.
Calcium Lactate for Your Health
Calcium lactate, chemically known as C6H10CaO6, is a derivative of the chemical reaction of lactic acid on calcium carbonate. While it may appear as either a black or white crystalline salt, it is more commonly utilized in its white form. Orlando chemical supplier, Bell Chem, has a review on how calcium lactate complements the body’s many functions.
Calcium lactate supports calcium and magnesium absorption.
Magnesium is a necessary component for over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including energy metabolism, DNA synthesis, and transporting calcium and potassium across cell membranes.
Calcium channels are present on almost every cell of the body. Calcium in the form of calcium lactate keeps cell membrane permeability in balance and maintains cell membranes in general.
In the body, calcium maintains many of the body’s vital functions. Nerves, cells, muscles, and bones rely on calcium to perform their everyday tasks. Without an ample supply of calcium in the blood, it is leached from the bone’s reserves, leading to low bone density.
In nerves, calcium acts as a positive ion to increase the likelihood of an action potential to move information from one nerve cell to the next. A lack of calcium will deter signals from transmitting from the brain throughout the body.
Sugar-free foods often contain acids that cause dental erosion, which slowly decalcifies the teeth. When added to sugar-free gum and candy, calcium crystals remineralize tooth enamel, thereby negating the effects of the acid.
Blood needs calcium to coagulate, and the blood vessels require calcium for vasoconstriction and vasodilation.
Calcium lactate supports the body’s immune system.
With the ability to act under a wide range of pH conditions, calcium lactate can be taken orally without food or water.
For those who suffer any calcium deficiencies, either short-term (during pregnancy) or long-term (osteoporosis or osteomalacia), calcium lactate may mean the difference between being alive and living well. Contact our Orlando chemical supplier experts at Bell Chem to learn more about calcium lactate or our other health, beauty, and industrial chemicals. You can contact us online, or call us at (407) 339-BELL (2355).
Ascorbic Acid Uses Outside the Food Industry
Ascorbic acid is a singular component of vitamin C. In fact, it surrounds the other components that create the entire vitamin C complex. Science has been able to synthesize this portion of vitamin C and use its properties in many non-food industries. Water treatment chemical supplier, Bell Chem, has complied a sample of how ascorbic acid is utilized industrially.
Ascorbic acid acts as a preservative and reductant during photographic development.
Swimming pool companies use ascorbic acid to remove dissolved metal stains, namely iron, from the sides of pools. Because it is an acid, it has the ability to lower the pH of pool water and stabilize the other chemicals.
Iodine is another metal that ascorbic acid negates, so it is routinely added to water purification systems to remove the taste, smell, and color of iodine in sterilized water.
Microscopists working with fluorescent microscopy find ascorbic acid’s antioxidant ability increases the fluorescent signaling and reduces dye photobleaching in slide preparation.
Ascorbic acid catalyzes the assembly of molecular chains in plastic manufacturing.
Recent pharmaceutical trials of topical ascorbic acid have proved it reduces the appearance of fine lines and age spots significantly. A double-blind trial had a remarkable 73.7% success rate with participants who applied an ascorbic acid solution to one side of their face and a placebo on the opposite side. Both clinicians and patients noted the improvement.
Take a second look at ascorbic acid – it’s not just for food preservation any more. Water treatment chemical supplier Bell Chem’s knowledgeable representatives would be glad to answer your questions regarding ascorbic acid, or any of their other chemicals. Call today at (407) 339-2355 (BELL) or browse our website.
Food and Pharmaceutical Uses of Maltodextrin
Maltodextrin appears on the labels of many foods, from sugar substitutes to sodas. Why is it on the labels, and what role does it play in the food and beverage industries and pharmaceuticals? Nutritional chemical supplier, Bell Chem, has complied some of the uses of this versatile chemical:
Maltodextrin is produced via hydrolysis from starches, such as potatoes, corn, wheat, or barley.
Maltodextrin is a complex carbohydrate, meaning it combines multiple simple sugars to build a lengthy chain of carbohydrates. Sugars and carbohydrates are closely related, and maltodextrin is complex enough to be classified as a carbohydrate on a food label, while maintaining the dextrose equivalent (DE) rating of 3 to 20.
The DE rating pertains to sweetness, length of glucose chains, solubility, and heat resistance. Below DE 10, substances are considered dextrins. Dextrins have long glucose chains, low sweetness values, low solubility, and high heat resistance.
Because it is an expedient source of energy, maltodextrin is regularly used by bodybuilders and endurance athletes to quickly rush energy to hungry cells.
In the beer industry, maltodextrin is added while beer is aging to increase the specific gravity of the final product without changing the alcohol content or flavor of the beverage. Maltodextrin also improves beer’s “mouthfeel”, retains the frothy head consumers appreciate, and reduces drink dryness.
The most common use of maltodextrin is as a food thickener, where it adds volume and texture to oatmeal, sauces, and salad dressings, for example, while increasing their overall appearance.
Sugar substitutes are not measured 1:1 with traditional table sugar. To keep consumers from adding too much sugar substitute, which is generally much sweeter than sucrose at a greatly reduced volume, maltodextrin is added, giving sugar substitutes more bulk to equalize their use to sugar.
Much like in the food industry, in pharmaceuticals, maltodextrin acts as a filler. Capsules often contain maltodextrin since it neither adds nor detracts from the medicinal content while stabilizing the drugs.
Call Bell Chem (407) 339-BELL (2355) to learn more about maltodextrin or any of the other chemicals we sell, or browse our website.
Medical Uses for D-Limonene
It seems every so often a miracle cure is discovered that heals the body or prevents disease or distress. Typically, science proves the cure to be a farce, at least for the most part. D-limonene does not fit this criterion. Scientists have tested d-limonene on rats and humans, and the success of their studies is overwhelmingly positive. Read below for a synopsis of only a few health benefits of d-limonene.
Derived from the rind of citrus fruits, d-limonene is a prevalent terpene. Terpenes are potent antioxidants, have anti-inflammatory properties, help control or prevent cancer, and curb appetite. All plants synthesize terpenes, which act as a natural resistance against physical and environmental stress, as well as insect defense. Since people eat plants, the terpenes enter our bodies and interact with NF-kappaB, the gene signal regulating immunity and cellular inflammation, thereby supporting the body’s normal defense systems against invasive pathogens.
As a solvent for cholesterol, d-limonene dissolves gallstones that contain cholesterol.
Sluggish bowels are often caused by abundant amounts of Candida albicans or other harmful pathogens, which produce toxic waste metabolites. D-limonene neutralizes these pathogens with its natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. Within the stomach, d-limonene also neutralizes gastric acid to support normal peristalsis, and relieves heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) in the stomach and esophagus.
The liver is a powerful detoxification center in the body. D-limonene aids the liver’s Phase I and Phase II detoxification enzymes in their important role of cleansing the body of harmful chemicals and fat.
As an aid to the lymphatic system, d-limonene breaks down fat-soluble barriers that cause headaches, mucus buildup, and joint stiffness.
Breathing in the pure aroma of citrus, where d-limonene originates, has been proven to elevate hormone levels to reduce anxiety and calm allergic reactions.
In clinical trials involving diabetic rats, d-limonene improved all major antioxidant enzymes. Further studies found animals given d-limonene reduced their food intake and body weight, had lower blood cholesterol levels, and prevented the buildup of fat in the liver and elsewhere in the body.
D-limonene activates adenosine A(2A) receptors on cell membranes, which, in turn, triggers dopamine transmission. When A(2A) receptors are not activated, a hyperimmune response results, like allergic reactions, or other fallacies of the nervous system may occur, such as anxiety or insomnia.
For more information on d-limonene, or other chemicals, call Orlando chemical supplier, Bell Chem, at (407) 339-BELL, or browse the website. Bell Chem is proud to be a leader in the chemical supply industry.
Isopropyl Alcohol 99% as a Cleaning Product
Orlando chemical supplier, Bell Chem, knows that isopropyl alcohol 99% has proven itself as a disinfectant, but did you know that its uses exceed these humble beginnings as a cleaning product with dozens of uses? Here is a list of its other uses:
Candles: Many special occasions are the perfect opportunity to bring out festive candles. The times in between the festivities are not so good for the candles, however, and the waxy dust that accumulates is alleviated with a bit of isopropyl alcohol – spray it on and the candles shine like new.
Countertops: Along with eliminating germs, it removes streaks and spots water leaves behind on granite or laminate countertops or floor tiles.
De-greaser: Have a vent or burner on your stove with caked-on grease? Remove the grease with a splash of isopropyl alcohol 99%.
Dry-erase Boards: Finally, something that removes marks that even dry-erase markers leave behind.
Electronics: Gently wipe isopropyl alcohol 99% over keyboards, cellular phones, headphones, or many other electronic devices to remove ground-in debris. The added power of disinfectant keeps you healthier by significantly decreasing germs.
Glass and Mirrors: Isopropyl alcohol 99% removes the patina from aged mirrors and glass. Dab a little on a soft cloth to bring back the mirror’s original sheen. Car windows doused with a mix of isopropyl alcohol 99% and water remain frost-free during winter months, and if you forget to wash the windows with the alcohol/water mix, simply pour isopropyl alcohol 99% onto the windshield to immediately remove even the heaviest frost.
Gummy Residue Remover: Isopropyl alcohol 99% removes most bandage, sticky tape or sticker residue.
Ink Remover: Use isopropyl alcohol on carpets or clothing to blot fresh permanent marker or ink stains, or soak for standing marker or ink stains.
Metal: Shine any metal surface, knobs, light fixtures, handles, fixtures, jewelry, etc, with a soft cloth dabbed with isopropyl alcohol 99%.
Contact Orlando chemical supplier, Bell Chem, to order isopropyl alcohol 99% for your company. Our representatives are available to answer your questions concerning isopropyl alcohol 99% or any of our other products. Call 407-339-BELL (2355) for more information.
The Health Benefits of Dextrose
Dextrose, chemical formula C6H12O6, is commonly referred to as glucose. However, the two differ because of dextrose’s added water molecule. The food industry utilizes dextrose as a preservative to increase the shelf life of packaged foods. The human body, on the other hand, uses dextrose in a much different and significant manner: dextrose plays a starring physiological role in the human body by delivering energy to cells. In fact, the brain runs almost exclusively upon energy supplied from dextrose. Bell Chem, a nutritional chemical supplier in Orlando, provides prompt delivery of this chemical, along with any others.
Since it is a monosaccharide, a simple carbohydrate, dextrose is easily absorbed through cellular membranes to stimulate muscle cells during performance and recovery.
A substance’s glycemic index indicates its effect on the body’s blood glucose levels. The high glycemic index of dextrose means it is quickly utilized without further breaking down by chemical or mechanical processes. Dextrose works by spiking insulin; in turn, insulin rushes dextrose, proteins, amino acids, creatinine, alanine, carnitine, arginine and other necessary nutrients to cells throughout the body. This rapid influx of nutrients keeps muscle cells at peak performance before, during, and after exercise.
Because dextrose is rapidly absorbed, athletes use it to gain muscle weight, as well as use it for endurance training since carbohydrates provide almost immediate energy for working muscles. Dextrose replaces the glycogen stores in muscles when they are energy depleted from exercise and diminishes muscle recovery time. Bell Chem is a nutritional chemical supplier who offers a large quantity of products from industrial to nutritional to botanical. Contact one of our knowledgeable representatives at 407-339-BELL (2355) for more information about dextrose or any of our other products to enhance your business.
The Uses of Citric Acid in the Food Industry
As a citric acid supplier, we know that most people associate citric acid with citrus fruits – oranges, lemons, and grapefruit, for instance. Citric acid also occurs in peppers, tomatoes, artichokes, and most berries. For humans, citric acid is a vital component of the Krebs cycle in metabolizing and oxidizing fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. The food industry utilizes citric acid in a much different fashion, with its marvelous acid fermenting, catalyzing, preserving, and flavoring foods and beverages.
Cheese Manufacturing: – The cheese industry uses citric acid, particularly with mozzarella. It utilizes citric acid as a catalyst to quickly ferment milk. Faster fermentation means large-scale operations can create cheese more rapidly.
Shelf Life: Bacteria needs a stable pH to survive. Because citric acid reduces the pH to levels too low for most bacteria, the shelf life of processed foods increases dramatically for jams and jellies, canned foods, meat products, and other foods.
Taste: Along with preserving carbonated beverages, teas, and juices, citric acid adds the sour or acidic flavor consumers enjoy.
Emulsifier: Citric acid acts as a vegetable fat emulsifier. Because fats are unable to coagulate, ice cream and sherbet retain a consistent texture and flavor throughout.
Effervescence: When coupled with sodium bicarbonate, citric acid effervesces. Fizzy candies, carbonated beverages, and powdered drinks, as well as antacid tablets and powders, owe their effervescence to this chemical reaction. In fact, approximately 50% of citric acid production is utilized in beverages.
Beer & Wine: Because citric acid is a weak acid, it is often utilized to create an acidic environment in beer and wine production.
Absorption: Many common vitamins and minerals work more expediently within an acidic pH environment. Citric acid is used in dietary supplements to accelerate absorption. Also, without citric acid, a vitamin C tablet would taste quite bitter.
To learn more about citric acid or any of our other products, contact the citric acid supplier, Bell Chem, at 407-339-BELL (2355).
Uses of Benzyl Alcohol
Part of our Florida chemical supply at Bell Chem is benzyl alcohol. Benzyl alcohol is a general solvent, or a substance that dissolves a solute (usually a solid, although it can be another liquid or a gas) to form a solution. Unlike other solvents, however, benzyl alcohol is not flammable. This small fact makes benzyl alcohol safe to ship around the world. Its other function is as a precursor to different esters, or chemical compounds derived from an acid in which one or more hydroxyl groups are replaced with an alkoxy group. Esters are commonly used in the cosmetic industry.
In healthcare, intravenous medications are treated with benzyl alcohol where it acts as a bacteriostatic preservative at low concentrations.
Head lice can be stanched with a 5% solution of benzyl alcohol.
In cosmetics, benzyl alcohol acts as an ester and is added to perfumes and soaps.
The food industry utilizes benzyl alcohol in pre-packaged foods to enhance flavors.
In photography, benzyl alcohol develops photos.
As a solvent, benzyl alcohol is a component of inks, paints, epoxy resin coatings, and lacquers.
Interestingly, quartz and wool fiber have the same refraction index as benzyl alcohol. If either of these solids is immersed in benzyl alcohol, they become virtually invisible, thereby assuring they are true products and not fraudulent copies. With its ease of shipment and versatility in a variety of industries, the remarkable benzyl alcohol is a must-have solvent or precursor to esters. For Florida chemical supply, contact Bell Chem today to learn how your business will benefit by using benzyl alcohol.
Laboratory and Pharmaceutical Uses for Copper Sulphate
Copper sulphate (CuSO4) is a widely used chemical salt in agricultural and industrial fields as well as in pharmaceuticals and research. Because copper sulphate exothermically dissolves in water, it gives off heat and can substantially raise the temperature of the water in which it is added. For copper sulphate, or other chemicals needed, your chemical supplier in Florida, Bell Chem, is happy to provide more information on our products and services.
Medical applications: Copper sulphate is a commonly used germicide and antiseptic agent in public swimming pools, either by adding it to the water or incorporating it into the foundation of the floor where it has been proven to eliminate the spread of athlete’s foot and contagious diseases. Copper sulphate also inhibits bacterial growth such as Escherichia coli. Medical tests for anemia utilize copper sulphate at a specific gravity; as blood is added to CuSO4, it should sink unless the individual’s blood being tested is anemic, in which case the insufficient amount of hemoglobin in the blood causes it to remain buoyant within the solution.
Pharmaceutical applications: As a raw material, copper sulfate is used in the manufacture of copper catalysts.
Agricultural applications: Copper sulphate is a herbicide, but is generally not used on crops. Instead, it controls invasive aquatic plants growing near public water or sewer pipes. Very diluted copper sulphate treats aquarium fish for parasitic infections, or the aquarium itself to remove snails. It may also be used as a fungicide when mixed with either lime or ammonium carbonate.
Analytical applications: The Biuret reagent reaction tests for proteins by adding copper sulphate, and Fehling’s solution and Benedict’s solution both test for sugar reduction by copper sulphate’s indicative color transformation. To distinguish barium from copper sulphate, a flame test proves that CuSO emits a much deeper green light than barium. In the presence of chlorine, however, copper sulphate emits a deep blue light.
From farmers to pharmacists, copper sulphate is a chemical salt with interesting and differentiated properties. Contact your chemical supplier in Florida Bell Chem today to determine how your business can benefit by adding copper sulphate to its chemical inventory.