Polysorbate 80 (commercially also known as Tween 80, a registered trademark of ICI Americas, Inc.) is a nonionic surfactant and Emulsifier derived from polyethoxylated sorbitan and oleic acid, and is often used in foods. Polysorbate 80 is a viscous, water-soluble yellow liquid. The hydrophilic groups in this compound are polyethers also known as polyoxyethylene groups which are polymers of ethylene oxide. In the nomenclature of polysorbates, the numeric designation following polysorbate refers to the lipophilic group, in this case the oleic acid (see polysorbate for more detail). Polysorbate 80 is often used in food and other products as an emulsifier.
Polysorbate 80 is used as an emulsifier in foods, particularly in ice cream. Here, polysorbate is added to up to 0.5% (v/v) concentration and makes the ice cream smoother and easier to handle, as well as increasing its resistance to melting.Adding this substance prevents Milk proteins from completely coating the fat droplets. This allows them to join together in chains and nets, which hold air in the mixture, and provide a firmer texture that holds its shape as the ice cream melts.
Polysorbate 80 is used as an emulsifier in the manufacture of medications for parenteral administration, most notably in the popular anti-arrhythmic amiodarone. It is also part of the adjuvant used in some European and Canadian influenza vaccines. It is also used in the culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Middlebrook 7H9 broth.