Glucomannan/polyhydric alcohol composition and film prepared therefrom.

摘要

The invention provides a composition having a complex network structure that is formed by mixing glucomannan and optionally another natural polysaccharide with a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin or a concentrated water solution thereof in the presence of absence of an alkali. When dissolved in water, this composition forms an aqueous solution which can be shapedand dried into a film. This film may be eaten directly. Alternatively, it may serve as the shell of a soft capsule or may be used as a food packaging material that is edible together withthe food being packaged. The film can also be used as a semipermiable membrane for separating a low-molecular weight substance from a high-molecular weight substance. Other uses of the film include a casing for use in the manufacture of smoked food products and a wound dressing.