Technology Description
Levan, a polysaccharide (CAS # 9013-95-0), has been known for some time, but has only been available in small quantities.[1] Montana Polysaccharides Corp. (MPC) has developed a fermentation process to manufacture levan in large volumes, with expectations of eventually reaching a selling price of $5/kg for multi-ton lots.[2] MPC has studied the use of levan as an adhesive and found its properties to be attractive. It is water soluble, non-toxic, solvent resistant, biodegradable, and “environmentally friendly.” A solution of 20% levan and 80% water makes a competitively priced adhesive. Levan can be removed with water, making it an interesting candidate for use where temporary adhesion is desired. Alternatively, levan can be cross-linked to make a water resistant adhesive. A description of levan is available at MPC’s website: http://www.polysaccharides.us. This multi-functional raw material has additional promising uses. Levan is a film former and can be extruded to make “green” plastics. Derivatives of levan have possible use as surfactants. Another potential application for levan is shale stabilization for oil well drilling.
