USES OF GELATIN

Gelatin as Binder

Gelatin is protein that has broken down into its component amino acids through boiling or action of enzymes. When you mix gelatin powder with a little water, it feels sticky. Some people use this sticky substance as glue.

In ancient times, the Chinese use gelatin to stick paper on the Chinese flute. When the glue hardened, it stiffened and strengthened the paper. In modern times it is occasionally used to size and strengthen paper such as   some glossy printing papers, artistic papers, playing cards, and it maintains the wrinkles in crêpe paper.

It is used as a binder in match heads and sandpaper.

Besides using it as adhesives, it is found it in deodorants, dyes and fabrics. You can use this very same sticky and stiffening   quality of gelatin to thicken fine hair, style and keep hair in place. Synchronized swimmers apply gelatin to their hair since it does not dissolve in water.

RECIPE

HOMEMADE HAIR GEL: Mix unflavored gelatin powder into a paste with tepid/cool water. Stir while you pour in boiling water, fragrant herbal tea or hydrosol. A clear gel will form and thicken when cool. Store in a bottle with well-fitting lid/cover and keep in the fridge. It can keep for about a week. Use 1 part gelatin to 5 -8 parts liquid.

Thickener & Stabilizer

Gelatin and partially hydrolyzed protein is a thickener and stabilizer. You can find it in food, shampoo, hair styling products, hair conditioner, face cleanser, face mask as well as other cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Gelatin is also used in nail polish remover and makeup applications. The gelatin is often tinted in different colors to match the person’s natural skin tone. (Wikipedia)

RECIPE

NOURISHING FACE MASK: Mix 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin powder with 1 tablespoon of milk into a smooth paste. Stir in hot water (4 to 7 tablespoons). Microwave to heat up or put in a pan of simmering water and stir. Add in 1 tablespoon of mashed avocado or apricot. If you have oily skin, use mashed berry or tangerine flesh instead. Leave to cool, apply on clean, washed face.  Avoid eye and mouth areas. Leave on for 25 to 35 minutes, and then wipe off with dampened cotton balls. Wash with cool water.

Film former

It is a film former so it is used as a coating for photographic film and photographic paper.

Next time you pop your vitamin pill, take a look at the capsule. It may be made of gelatin.

RECIPE

BLACKHEAD REMOVER:  Mix 1.5 tablespoon of milk into 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin. Stir into a smooth paste and put into a pan of simmering water. Cover pan or the container with a glass cover so you can see when the gelatin is ready. The gelatin will swell up. Switch off fire. While the milk-gelatin is still warm, apply on blackhead area with a cotton ball or sponge. (Clean your face thoroughly beforehand)  Wait till the gelatin has hardened completely and peel off.

Clarifier

Suspended sediments in wine and beer make them look cloudy. Manufacturers add gelatin to their product to make it look crystal clear. Gelatin, which carries a positive electrical charge, attracts negatively suspended particles like a magnet. The particle-laden gelatin sinks to the bottom when it becomes too heavy dragging other particles with it. Manufacturers may use other sources of protein such as albumen (from egg white), casein (from milk), Isinglass (from fish), chitin (Chitosan),   in this ‘fining’ process.

Gelatin also reduces the astringency of wine.

You can use it to clarify juices and vinegar as well.

Chitin & Chitosan

Chitosan is hydrolyzed form of chitin, a substance extracted from crustaceans and mollusks such as prawns, crabs, lobsters, octopus   and squids. It is the main component of the cell wall of fungi and exists in insect.

In terms of structure, chitin may be compared to the polysaccharide cellulose of plants but with addition of nitrogen within the structure. It functions like the protein, ‘keratin’. Surgeons sew up patients with biodegradable surgical thread made from chitin.

Some farmers spray their crops with chitosan to naturally induce systemic resistance (ISR) against disease, pathogens and pests.

According to Wikipedia, “separation membranes and ion-exchange media can be made from chitin.  ”