DuPont Discovery Could Improve Availability of Key Food Ingredient

02-Feb-2004

DES MOINES, Iowa - A team of researchers from Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a DuPont subsidiary, achieved a scientific breakthrough by identifying a gene found in guar and carob plants that produces "gum," a key food additive.

Pioneer scientists successfully transferred the gene to soybeans enabling the plants to manufacture a component of gum, which could make the ingredient more readily available to the food industry in the future.

Gums are most commonly used in the food industry as additives that provide texture, prevent ice crystal formation, maintain crispiness and retain moisture. These gums also have commercial uses in several other industries including cosmetics, human health, textiles and paper.

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