Composition and structure of Gum Acacia
Acacia gums derived from Senegal and Seyal species of acacia trees are heterogeneous, complex carbohydrates containing small amounts of nitrogenous substances. These remain integral to the gum structure even after undergoing purification processes. Acacia gum is an acidic polymer, with its pH value ranging between 4.5 and 5.0. This acidic nature is attributed to arabinogalactan, which is a major component of the gum and contributes to its anionic behavior.
chemical composition can vary significantly based on factors such as climatic conditions, the source, and the age of the acacia tree. Although Senegal and Seyal acacia gums share similar sugar units, their proportions differ within the gum. The primary distinction between the two lies in their sugar and amino acid composition as well as their molecular weight, with Seyal gum having a higher molecular weight than Senegal gum. One defining feature of acacia gum is its hydrophobic protein component, which imparts emulsifying properties to the gum. Despite this, acacia gum solutions exhibit very low viscosity, suggesting a compact structure. These characteristics make acacia gum particularly versatile for a wide range of applications.
