Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), a water-soluble polymer derived from cellulose, is widely used across various industries due to its versatile properties such as thickening, stabilizing, binding, and film-forming. Here are its key uses:
# 1. **Food Industry**
- Acts as a **thickener** and **stabilizer** in products like ice cream, sauces, and dairy-based beverages.
- Improves **texture** and prevents crystal formation in frozen desserts.
- Serves as a **fat replacer** in low-fat foods.
- Prevents separation in beverages.
# 2. **Pharmaceuticals**
- Functions as a **binder** in tablets and capsules.
- Used as a **suspending agent** in liquid medications like syrups and suspensions.
- Provides **controlled release** in drug delivery systems.
- Acts as a **lubricant** in artificial tear solutions for dry eye