1.10. Uses of Lactic acid
Lactic acid and some of its derivatives (salts and esters) are used in three main applications: foods, polymers, and industrial. Figure 2: Uses of lactic acid [22]
1.10.1. Food
The food industry is the traditional large consumer of lactic acid and lactate salts. It is mainly used as an acidulant and preservative. Lactic acid has a mild acid taste and does not overpower weaker aromatic flavors. Since it occurs naturally, it does not introduce a foreign element into the food, and its salts are very soluble, thus giving the possibility of partially replacing the acid in buffering systems. Lactic acid and its salts are used in a variety of beverages, candies, meat, and sauces. Further uses are listed below
1) Lactic …show more content…
Pharmaceutical Industries
Poly lactic acid polymers are biocompatible, biodegradable and restorable materials used in medical application as sutures, orthopedic implants, controlled drug release etc. Polymers of Lactic acid, after adjusting the composition and the molecular wt., can control the degradation of biodegradable transparent thermoplastics. Other applications in this industry are formulation of ointments (oils), lotions, anti-acne (skin pimples) solutions and dialysis applications. Calcium-lactate can be used for calcium deficiency therapy and as anti carries agents [26].
1.10.4. Chemical Industries
Lactic acid is used as acidulant in leather tanning industries and in small scale operations like pH adjustments, hardening baths for cellophanes used in food packaging, terminating agent for phenol formaldehyde resins, alkyl resin modifiers, solder flux, lithographic and textile printing developers, adhesive formulations, in electroplating and electro polishing baths, detergent builders etc. Lactic acid esters like ethyl / butyl lactates can be used as green solvents. They are high boiling, non-toxic and degradable components [27].
1.10.5. Cosmetic …show more content…
Although primarily used as moisturizers and pH regulators, they possess multiple other properties such as antimicrobial activity, skin lightening, and skin hydration. The moisturizing effect is related directly to lactate’s water retaining capacity, and the skin-lightening action of lactic acid is produced by the suppression of the formation of tyrosinase (a cosmetic additive) [28]. Since they are natural ingredients of the human body, lactic acid and its salt fit perfectly into the modern trend towards natural and safer formulations, and they produce such effects as skin lightening and rejuvenation which makes them very useful as active ingredients in cosmetics. Lactic acid is popularly known as an alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA) in the cosmetics industry. It is widely used as a milder alternative to glycolic acid. It is primarily used as an anti-aging chemical claimed to soften lines, reduce photo damage from the sun, improve skin texture and tone and improve overall appearance. Precautions should be taken when using lactic acid as a cosmetic agent because it can increase sensitivity to the sun's UV radiation
Lactic acid and some of its derivatives (salts and esters) are used in three main applications: foods, polymers, and industrial. Figure 2: Uses of lactic acid [22]
1.10.1. Food
The food industry is the traditional large consumer of lactic acid and lactate salts. It is mainly used as an acidulant and preservative. Lactic acid has a mild acid taste and does not overpower weaker aromatic flavors. Since it occurs naturally, it does not introduce a foreign element into the food, and its salts are very soluble, thus giving the possibility of partially replacing the acid in buffering systems. Lactic acid and its salts are used in a variety of beverages, candies, meat, and sauces. Further uses are listed below
1) Lactic …show more content…
Pharmaceutical Industries
Poly lactic acid polymers are biocompatible, biodegradable and restorable materials used in medical application as sutures, orthopedic implants, controlled drug release etc. Polymers of Lactic acid, after adjusting the composition and the molecular wt., can control the degradation of biodegradable transparent thermoplastics. Other applications in this industry are formulation of ointments (oils), lotions, anti-acne (skin pimples) solutions and dialysis applications. Calcium-lactate can be used for calcium deficiency therapy and as anti carries agents [26].
1.10.4. Chemical Industries
Lactic acid is used as acidulant in leather tanning industries and in small scale operations like pH adjustments, hardening baths for cellophanes used in food packaging, terminating agent for phenol formaldehyde resins, alkyl resin modifiers, solder flux, lithographic and textile printing developers, adhesive formulations, in electroplating and electro polishing baths, detergent builders etc. Lactic acid esters like ethyl / butyl lactates can be used as green solvents. They are high boiling, non-toxic and degradable components [27].
1.10.5. Cosmetic …show more content…
Although primarily used as moisturizers and pH regulators, they possess multiple other properties such as antimicrobial activity, skin lightening, and skin hydration. The moisturizing effect is related directly to lactate’s water retaining capacity, and the skin-lightening action of lactic acid is produced by the suppression of the formation of tyrosinase (a cosmetic additive) [28]. Since they are natural ingredients of the human body, lactic acid and its salt fit perfectly into the modern trend towards natural and safer formulations, and they produce such effects as skin lightening and rejuvenation which makes them very useful as active ingredients in cosmetics. Lactic acid is popularly known as an alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA) in the cosmetics industry. It is widely used as a milder alternative to glycolic acid. It is primarily used as an anti-aging chemical claimed to soften lines, reduce photo damage from the sun, improve skin texture and tone and improve overall appearance. Precautions should be taken when using lactic acid as a cosmetic agent because it can increase sensitivity to the sun's UV radiation