Cystin

Description

Cystin is adipeptide that contains sulphur. In the human body, cystine arises as a product of the splitting of proteins from methionine. An intermediary product which arises thereby is the amino acid cysteine, that maintains a chemical balance with cystine in the metabolism of cells.
Cystine is a component of the biosynthesis of protein. A deficiency or lack of cystine retards the growth of skin and hair. 

• Cystine is a component of many plant proteins.
• It is found in particularly high quantities in keratin, the structural protein found for example in horn, hair, skin and feathers.
• See also: cysteine

Application

Cystine is applied to a variety of products and thereby fulfils various technical tasks, such as:

• an agent for the treatment of flour, in order to accelerate the maturation of flour
• cystine plays a part in the development of flavours and scents associated with meat and with roasting. It is used therefore in the balancing and enhancement of flavours.
• cystine is added to adapted breast milk.
• cystine also may be used in diet preparations, feed additives, medications and cosmetic products.

Gene technology

Classically, cystine is won from proteins that are rich in cystine, such as may be found in human hair or in feathers or pig bristles. Component proteins are split by being heated with hydrochloric acid, which allows cystine to be isolated.

• For a long time, the bio-technological production of cystine was considered to be expensive and difficult. Since then, a German company (Wacker Chemie) has been successful in applying biotechnical processes to E. coli (Escherichia. coli) bacteria for a profitable fermentative production of cystine. The E. coli bacteria use glucose (sugar) and some mineral salts to produce the desired cystine in large quantities and convey the amino acid into the nutrient solution. The process has been applied since 2001.

Labelling: Additives that have been produced with the aid of genetically modified micro-organisms in closed systems need not be labelled as such, provided that the additive in question has been purified and contains no micro-organisms.

If the micro-organisms in question have received nutrient solution that has been derived from genetically modified plants, the additive remains without labelling as such.