Gelatin

Gelatin
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Gelatin
Gelatin` is a pure natural protein substance obtained from collagen, a natural protein present in tendons, ligaments and the connective tissues of mammals. It is produced by action of boiling the connective tissues, bones, and skins of animals, usually cows and pigs.
Gelatin is composed of collagen, which is a protein rich in the amino acids, proline, and hydroxyproline .The percentage composition of gelatin is as follows, 84 to 90% is protein, 1 to 2% is mineral salts and the rest is water (Bowen, 2002). Gelatin does not contain any preservatives or additives. It is free from fats, cholesterol or and purines.
The process of manufacturing gelatin involves removing foreign substance, boiling the material, usually the connective tissues of pigs, cattle or fish. The material is usually boiled using distilled water in aluminum vessel to prevent contamination. The collagen protein is then removed from the bones and is processed to form gelatin. The final product of gelatin is a pure protein (GME, 2012).
Pretreatment of gelatin involves first of all removing all fats and minerals from the raw materials. This is followed by two different pretreatment methods. The two different pretreatment methods that follow depend on the raw materials and final application of gelatin. The pretreatments methods used here are either alkaline procedure or acid procedure. In alkaline procedure the connective tissue of cattle is pretreated with in a process that last for several weeks. This is because connective tissue of cattle is highly interconnected. The process will help bring a gentle change to the collagen structure. After this treatment the collagen can be separated from the rest of the raw materi...