Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for gellan gum typically outline the step-by-step processes and guidelines to ensure consistent and quality production. While the specific SOPs can vary depending on the manufacturer and their production methods, here is a general overview of the typical SOPs for CINOGEL gellan gum production:
l Raw Material Handling and Preparation:
1. Receive and inspect raw materials, such as gellan gum precursors or fermentation media, for quality and conformity to specifications.
2. Store raw materials in appropriate conditions to maintain their integrity and prevent contamination.
3. Weigh and measure the required quantities of raw materials as per the formulation.
l Fermentation Process:
1. Prepare fermentation vessels or bioreactors according to established protocols, ensuring cleanliness and sterilization.
2. Inoculate the fermentation medium with the appropriate strain(s) of bacteria or microorganisms used for gellan gum production.
3. Maintain optimal conditions, such as temperature, pH, and oxygen levels, for the growth of the bacteria during fermentation.
4. Monitor and control fermentation parameters regularly, adjusting as needed to optimize production.
l Harvesting and Recovery:
1. Determine the appropriate time for harvesting the fermentation broth based on the growth and gellan gum production of the bacteria.
2. Collect the fermented broth and separate the bacterial cells from the liquid using techniques like centrifugation or filtration.
3. Concentrate the gellan gum-containing liquid through evaporation or other appropriate methods.
4. Precipitate the gellan gum from the concentrated liquid by adding a suitable precipitant or adjusting the pH.
l Purification and Drying:
1. Purify the precipitated gellan gum to remove impurities, such as residual bacteria, proteins, and unwanted compounds, using filtration, washing, and centrifugation steps.
2. Concentrate the purified gellan gum solution to achieve the desired concentration.
3. Dry the gellan gum through methods like spray drying, freeze drying, or other drying techniques, while maintaining the specified temperature and conditions.
l Quality Control and Analysis:
1. Perform quality control tests and analyses at various stages of production to ensure compliance with specifications and quality standards.
2. Test for parameters such as viscosity, gel strength, moisture content, particle size, and microbial contamination.
3. Document and record the test results and maintain traceability of the batches.
l Packaging and Storage:
1. Package the dried gellan gum in suitable containers or packaging materials, ensuring proper labeling and identification.
2. Store the packaged gellan gum in controlled conditions, protecting it from moisture, light, and other factors that may affect its quality.
l Cleaning and Sanitization:
1. Establish cleaning and sanitization procedures for equipment, vessels, and facilities to prevent cross-contamination and maintain hygiene standards.
2. Regularly clean and sanitize all areas and equipment involved in gellan gum production, adhering to the defined protocols.
l Documentation and Record Keeping:
1. Maintain comprehensive documentation of all production steps, including batch records, SOPs, test results, and any deviations or corrective actions taken.
2. Retain records for traceability, quality audits, and regulatory compliance.
