Write short note on Preservation of semisolids. (Industrial Pharmacy - ll)
Answers
A preservative is a natural or synthetic chemical that is added to products such as foods, pharmaceuticals, paints, biological samples, wood, etc. to prevent decomposition by microbial growth or by undesirable chemical changes. Preservatives are substances that are commonly added to various foods and pharmaceutical products in order to prolong their shelf life. The addition of preservatives to such products, especially to those that have higher water content, is essential for avoiding alteration and degradation by microorganisms during storage. Preservatives are put in foods to inhibit growth of bacteria, yeasts, or molds that can cause disease. Chemical preservation cannot totally keep products from spoiling, but they slow the spoiling process caused by microorganisms. Frozen and canned foods often do not contain any preservatives. Processed Foods are foods that are put through a process to kill harmful bacteria that may form in the food. These processes are supposed to be helpful to the products, but they can also add harmful substances.
Ideal Properties of Preservatives
1. It should not be irritant.
2. It should not be toxic.
3. It should be physically and chemically stable.
4. Preservative should be compatible with other ingredients used in formulation.
5. It should be act as good antimicrobial agent and should exert wide spectrum of activity.
6. It should act as preservative in small concentration i.e. it must be potent.
7. It should maintain activity throughout product manufacturing, shelf life and usage.