Mannitol: An Excellent Excipient For Pharmaceutical Industry

Mannitol is a colorless low-calorie-based sugar alcohol. A biological system such as the intestines takes lots of time to absorb this low-calorie sweetener. An osmotic & duration component, which naturally exists in fruits and vegetables, boosts the osmolality of blood plasma. Therefore, as an antiglaucoma agent-based medication, Mannitol injection is prescribed by doctors.

The natural sources of Mannitol are brown algae, fresh button mushrooms, tree bark, fruits including watermelon, snow peas, peaches, prunes, pears & vegetables like sweet potato, celery, etc. Mannitol has become popular in the pharmaceutical and food manufacturing industries as an essential biochemical component. The global market value of Mannitol increases annually.

The industrial manufacturing unit executes the chemical hydrogenation process to extract a pure version of Mannitol. The combination of 50% fructose and 50% glucose syrup is treated under high pressure and high temperature. In this biochemical treatment, the catalyst – Raney Nickel turns B-fructose into pure Mannitol through hydrogenation.

We use pure fructose to produce a new version of Mannitol through chemical hydrogenation. But, the chemical hydrogenation of fructose is always an expensive treatment. So, few manufacturing units opt for the microbes-driven biotechnological methodology to produce Mannitol to meet the requirements of industrial applications.

Alongside the chemical hydrogenation process, Mannitol can be produced through the microbial fermentative process.

In the gum and candy manufacturing industry, Mannitol is used in versatile ways. This is one of the safe sugar fructose, which works best as capsule diluent, excipient in chewable tablets, etc. It is a safe bulking agent that does not elevate blood sugar levels. Therefore, in the food industries, manufacturing units use Mannitol as a sweetener, which is safe for diabetic patients. Besides, the excellent binding efficiency makes Mannitol one of the best choices as an excipient in medical formulations.

 

Mannitol: An Excellent Excipient For Pharmaceutical Industry

Mannitol is a colorless low-calorie-based sugar alcohol. A biological system such as the intestines takes lots of time to absorb this low-calorie sweetener. An osmotic & duration component, which naturally exists in fruits and vegetables, boosts the osmolality of blood plasma. Therefore, as an antiglaucoma agent-based medication, Mannitol injection is prescribed by doctors.

The natural sources of Mannitol are brown algae, fresh button mushrooms, tree bark, fruits including watermelon, snow peas, peaches, prunes, pears & vegetables like sweet potato, celery, etc. Mannitol has become popular in the pharmaceutical and food manufacturing industries as an essential biochemical component. The global market value of Mannitol increases annually.

The industrial manufacturing unit executes the chemical hydrogenation process to extract a pure version of Mannitol. The combination of 50% fructose and 50% glucose syrup is treated under high pressure and high temperature. In this biochemical treatment, the catalyst – Raney Nickel turns B-fructose into pure Mannitol through hydrogenation.

We use pure fructose to produce a new version of Mannitol through chemical hydrogenation. But, the chemical hydrogenation of fructose is always an expensive treatment. So, few manufacturing units opt for the microbes-driven biotechnological methodology to produce Mannitol to meet the requirements of industrial applications.

Alongside the chemical hydrogenation process, Mannitol can be produced through the microbial fermentative process.

In the gum and candy manufacturing industry, Mannitol is used in versatile ways. This is one of the safe sugar fructose, which works best as capsule diluent, excipient in chewable tablets, etc. It is a safe bulking agent that does not elevate blood sugar levels. Therefore, in the food industries, manufacturing units use Mannitol as a sweetener, which is safe for diabetic patients. Besides, the excellent binding efficiency makes Mannitol one of the best choices as an excipient in medical formulations.

 

Test USP BP IP
Description White, crystalline powder or free-flowing granules. White or almost white crystals or powder. A white, crystalline powder or free flowing granules.
Solubility Freely soluble in water; soluble in alkaline solutions; slightly soluble in pyridine; very slightly soluble in alcohol; practically insoluble in ether. Freely soluble in water, practically insoluble in ethanol (96%). Freely soluble in water; slightly soluble in pyridine; very slightly soluble in ethanol (95%); insoluble in chloroform and in ether.
Identification Test – A ( Infrared Spectroscopy ) Should be comply Should be comply
Identification Test – A (Specific optical rotation) + 23 to + 25
Test – B (Melting point) 165 °C to 170 °C.
Test – C – (Infrared spectrophotometry) Should comply
Test – D (TLC) The principal spot in the chromatogram obtained with the test solution is similar in position, colour and size to the principal spot in the chromatogram obtained with reference solution (a).
Test – B A clear solution is obtained which remains clear on the further addition of sodium hydroxide solution.
Test – C A pink colour is produced.
Test – D (Melting range) 165°C to 170°C.
Assay 97.0% – 102% 97.0% – 102% 97.0% – 102%
Related substances (By liquid chromatography)
Impurity A NMT 2.0 % Not more than 2.0%
Impurity B & C NMT 2.0 % Not more than 2.0%
Unspecified impurities NMT0.10 % Not more than 0.10% NLT 40.0%
Total impurities NMT 2.0 % Not more than 2.0% NLT 90.0%
Reducing sugars NMT 0.1% (3.2ml of 0.02M potassium permanganate required to change green colur to pink) Max 0.1%
Acidity or alkalinity NMT 0.3 ml of 0.01 M HCL is required to change the colour of the solution to red.
Specific optical rotation +23.0° to +25.0°
Arsenic NMT 2 ppm
Chlorides NMT 50 ppm
Sulphates NMT 100 ppm
Reducing sugars NLT 12.8 ml of 0.05 M sodium thiosulphate is required
Sulphated ash NMT 0.1%
Sorbitol Any spot corresponding to sorbitol in the chromatogram obtained with the test solution is not more intense than the spot in the chromatogram obtained with the reference solution.
Nickel NMT 1 µg/g Max 1 ppm
Melting range 165° – 170° on the label 165 °C to 170 °C.
Disregard limit Not more than 0.05%
Appearance of solution The Sample solution is clear and colorless; its clarity is the same as that of water, or its opalescence is not more pronounced than that of the Reference suspension, and it is not more intensely colored than the Standard solution. The solution is clear and colourless Solution A is clear and colourless
Loss on drying NMT 0.5% Max 0.5% NMT 0.5%
Conductivity NMT 20 µS/cm at 25⁰ C Max 20 µS.cm-1

Microbiological Analysis

Total Aerobic Microbial Count, CFU/g NMT 1000 NMT 1000 NMT 1000
Total Combined Yeasts & Molds Count, CFU/g NMT 100 NMT 100 NMT 100
Staphylococcus aureus, / g Should be absent Should be absent Should be absent
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, / g Should be absent Should be absent Should be absent
Escherichia coli, / g Should be absent Should be absent Should be absent
Salmonella, /10g Should be absent Should be absent Should be absent
Bacterial endotoxin test <2.5IU/g <2.5IU/g < 2.5 EU/g

Uses & Applications

Mannitol is a sugar alcohol (polyol) that finds various uses in both the pharmaceutical and food industries due to its unique properties. Here are some of its applications:

Pharmaceutical Industry

Mannitol used as an excipient in pharmaceutical formulations. It can be used as a bulking agent, diluent, or filler in tablets, capsules, and other solid dosage forms. Its low calorific value makes it suitable for use in sugar-free and reduced-calorie formulations.

Pharmaceutical Industry

Mannitol used as an excipient in pharmaceutical formulations. It can be used as a bulking agent, diluent, or filler in tablets, capsules, and other solid dosage forms. Its low calorific value makes it suitable for use in sugar-free and reduced-calorie formulations.

Food Industry

Sweetener and Sugar Substitute

Mannitol used as a sugar substitute in sugar-free and reduced-calorie foods.

Chewing Gum and Confections

Mannitol is having  cooling and refreshing properties make it a popular ingredient in sugar-free chewing gums and mints. It imparts a pleasant taste and texture to these products.

Functional Ingredient

Mannitol is used as a bulking agent and texture enhancer in various food products, including baked goods, confections, and desserts. It can help improve the texture, mouthfeel, and stability of these products.

Coating Agent

Mannitol is used in the food industry as a coating agent for candies and pills. It helps prevent sticking and provides a smooth, glossy appearance to the coated items.

Stabilizer and Anti-Caking Agent

Mannitol can be used as a stabilizer in dairy products and as an anti-caking agent in powdered products to prevent clumping.

Properties

Molecular formula C6H14O6
Molar mass 182.17 g/mol
Synonyms D-mannitol. Mannite.
CAS number 69-65-8

Packaging Details

Available Packaging Type:

HDPE/Paper bags – 25Kg

Fiberboard/HDPE – 25Kg

*Our standard packaging in 25 Kg bags. We can also customize packaging as per customers request at additional cost

Container

20 Ft. (Approx Wt.)

40 Ft. (Approx Wt.)

Palletized

10,000 Kg

20,000 Kg

Non-Palletized

11,000 Kg

25,000 Kg

Packaging Details

Available Packaging Type:

1. HDPE/Paper bags – 25Kg

1. Fiberboard/HDPE – 25Kg

*Our standard packaging in 25 Kg bags. We can also customize packaging as per customers request at additional cost

Container

20 Ft. (Approx Wt.)

40 Ft. (Approx Wt.)

Palletized

10,000 Kg

20,000 Kg

Non-Palletized

11,000 Kg

25,000 Kg