It is necessary to fractionate soy lecithin into PC-enriched and PI-enriched fractions for specific applications because these two fractions have different functionalities.
For example, Phosphatidylcholine (PC) has a high Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) value, and thus can be used to promote and stabilize O/W (oil in water) emulsions; PI has a low HLB value, therefore is effective in promoting and stabilizing W/O emulsions.
In the commercial production for isolation such fractionation uses short-chain alcohols, such as methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol, because PC is relatively more soluble in these alcohols, PI is relatively insoluble in these solvents, and PE is partially soluble. As the content continues to increase, purifying will become more and more difficult. At present, 50%of the PC content will be the most cost-effective. The max-content of Phosphatidylcholine (PC) can reach 95% but the cost is much higher than 50% content.
Orison Chemicals Limited offers PC-enriched Lecithin 50%, 60%, 70%, waxy solid form, or powder form.