Category: Industrial production

In the late 19th century, large quantities of vegetable oils were considered a waste byproduct of the booming textile industry, particularly from cottonseed. The original purpose of vegetable oil for many of these modern varieties was surprisingly not for human consumption, but for industrial applications like soap, candles, and lubricants.

The global market for amino acids is a multi-billion dollar industry, driven largely by advancements in production technologies since the early 20th century. Understanding the process of amino acid production is crucial for appreciating how these vital compounds are manufactured for use in food, feed, and pharmaceuticals. The methods employed have evolved significantly, moving from initial protein extraction to sophisticated biotechnological approaches.

Over 80% of global sodium bicarbonate production originates from the United States, Western Europe, and Japan. Its primary source is a mineral deposit left behind by ancient evaporated lakes, though it can also be created synthetically. This versatile chemical is integral to countless household and industrial applications, from baking and cleaning to pharmaceutical and agricultural uses.

In 1823, the chemist Michel Eugene Chevreul first described stearic acid, identifying it as a key component of fats and oils. While it occurs naturally in both plant and animal sources, its commercial production involves processing these raw materials, most notably through the hydrolysis of triglycerides found in fat and oil.

Did you know that most animals can produce their own vitamin C, but humans cannot? To understand why, one must look at what is vitamin C synthesized from and the key genetic mutation that affects primates.

Pyruvic acid is a crucial metabolic intermediate, formed as the end product of glycolysis, a fundamental pathway for energy production in nearly all living organisms. Understanding how you get pyruvic acid provides insight into cellular energy management and its various applications, from industrial use to dietary supplementation.