[Synthesis, characterization and application of polyglycerols and polyglycerol fatty acid esters]

The current state of knowledge in the field of synthesis and properties of polyglycerols and polyglycerol fatty acid esters is presented. Alternatives for the analytical characterization of these families by means of physico-chemical methods, with special reference to chromatography and spectroscopy, are described. Furthermore, the use of polyglycerol fatty acid esters as food additives is considered from the view-points of the physiology of nutrition and of processing technology.