{"id":387,"date":"2014-03-21T08:00:32","date_gmt":"2014-03-21T14:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ulprospector.com\/knowledge\/?p=387"},"modified":"2021-04-01T15:26:24","modified_gmt":"2021-04-01T21:26:24","slug":"silicon-dioxide-applications-potential-health-benefits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ulprospector.ul.com\/387\/silicon-dioxide-applications-potential-health-benefits\/","title":{"rendered":"Silicon Dioxide: Applications & Potential Health Benefits"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Sample_of_silicon_dioxide\"The food industry knows silicon dioxide<\/a> (EU<\/a>) (SiO2<\/sub>) as a stable, tasteless, anti-caking white powder. In fact, it is a \u2018dry\u2019 topic \u2013 pun intended.\u00a0 However, silicon dioxide can be a great tool for developers when processing powdered foods, and may be a key link for bone health in the future.<\/p>\n

Silica Basics<\/h3>\n

Silica<\/a> (EU<\/a>), or silicon dioxide, as a crystalline structure, is found abundantly in the crust of the earth.\u00a0 In water, silica becomes the highly bioavailable orthosilicic acid<\/a> (EU<\/a>). Amorphous (non-crystalline) forms of silicon dioxide are found in nature as biogenic silica from volcanos, and within plants like cereal grains and vegetables. However, with two main processes, silicon dioxide, both natural and synthetic, can be made amorphous and optimized for specific applications.<\/p>\n

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  1. Thermal process (vapor phase hydrolysis): Produces fumed<\/a> (EU<\/a>)(pyrogenic) silicon dioxide.<\/li>\n
  2. Wet process: Produces precipitated<\/a> (EU<\/a>) silicon dioxide or solid silica gel<\/a> (EU<\/a>).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Synthetic amorphous silica (SAS) is normally more pure then natural silicon dioxides. Changing processing parameters, like pH or temperature, can yield silicon dioxide powders with improved flowability or absorption levels tailored to specific end uses.<\/p>\n

    Regulatory Considerations:<\/h3>\n

    In the US, the FDA regulates Silicon dioxide use under 21 CFR 172.480. The CFR specifically references silicon dioxide from the vapor phase hydrolysis process, or fumed silicon dioxide, but all forms of silicon dioxide have a FDA GRAS notification established.<\/p>\n

    Approved Direct Uses: <\/b><\/p>\n