Description

Lichenin is a high-purity, water-soluble polysaccharide derived from lichens, primarily composed of glucose units. This unique biopolymer is valued for its ability to form stable, clear gels and viscous solutions, making it a versatile functional ingredient. It serves critical roles in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries, where its natural origin and specific rheological properties are highly sought after. Lichenin CAS NO 1402-10-4 offers a reliable, plant-based alternative for formulators seeking consistent performance and clean-label appeal.

Application

• Pharmaceutical Formulations: Used as a tablet binder, sustained-release matrix agent, and stabilizer in oral solid dosage forms and topical gels.
• Cosmetics & Personal Care: Functions as a natural thickener, film-former, and moisturizing agent in creams, lotions, serums, and hair care products.
• Food Industry: Employed as a texturizer, stabilizer, and fat replacer in certain food products, contributing to mouthfeel and stability.
• Microbiological & Culture Media: Acts as a gelling agent and carbohydrate source in specialized culture media for microbiological studies.
• Biomedical Research: Utilized in hydrogel development for drug delivery systems and tissue engineering scaffolds due to its biocompatibility.
• Industrial Applications: Serves as a bio-based adhesive or sizing agent in niche industrial processes.

Basic Information

Product Name	Lichenin
CAS No.	1402-10-4
Molecular Formula	(C6H10O5)n
Molecular Weight	High Polymer (Variable)
Synonyms	Lichenan; Moss Starch; Lichen Starch; Iceland Moss Gelose; Cetraria Starch; (1→3),(1→4)-β-D-Glucan; β-Glucan from Cetraria islandica
EINECS	215-760-9

Quality Control

Our Lichenin is produced and tested under a strict quality management system to ensure batch-to-batch consistency and purity. We offer grades suitable for various applications, with specifications aligned to industry needs. A comprehensive Certificate of Analysis (COA) is provided with each shipment, detailing parameters such as assay, viscosity, microbial limits, and heavy metal content to support your quality assurance protocols.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area at controlled room temperature (15-25°C). This product is hygroscopic (moisture-sensitive); the container must be kept tightly sealed after opening to prevent absorption of atmospheric moisture, which can affect performance.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	White to off-white powder
Identification (IR)	Conforms to standard
Assay (Polysaccharide)	≥ 95.0%
pH (1% Solution)	5.0 - 7.0
Loss on Drying	≤ 8.0%
Ash Content	≤ 2.0%
Viscosity (Specified Concentration)	To be specified per grade
Microbial Limits	Meets Ph. Eur./USP guidelines

Note: Specifications can be tailored. Please contact us for the detailed technical data sheet of a specific grade.