DAP Full Form

DAP stands for Diamine phosphate. Diamine phosphate is one of the water-soluble ammonium phosphate salts. The IUPAC name of Diamine phosphate is diammonium hydrogen phosphate and has a molecular formula of H₉N₂O₄P. Diamine Phosphate can be produced by reacting ammonia with phosphoric acid. The biopreservation of plant products such as seeds and fruits using Diamine Phosphate has a long history. The application of Diamine Phosphate in food preservation gives rise to several medicinal products, such as “dextrose dihydrogen phosphate” (DHDHP), used in the parenteral anti-influenza medication. 

Structure of DAP:

The chemical structure of Diamine phosphate is a combination of two molecules of diammonium hydrogen phosphate (NH₄HPO₄) with H2₂N₂O₄P and H₃N₂O₄P. The structure of diammonium hydrogen phosphate is a colourless solid and has a molecular formula H₂N₂O₄P. The molecular weight of diammonium hydrogen phosphate is 203.32 g/mol, its density is 1.131 g/cm³, the melting point of diammonium hydrogen phosphate is, and it has a refractive index of 1.585 – 1.587.

Uses of DAP:

It is used in food as an acidity enhancer for bread and rolls and winemaking. Diamine Phosphate has antioxidant properties as it acts as a scavenger of free radicals and is used to preserve foods such as apples and wine. In a study by the University of Puerto Rico, scientists Mayagüez established that diamine phosphate applied to the surface of fruits and vegetables could inhibit the “Staphylococcus aureus” bacterium, which is responsible for food spoilage. Diammonium hydrogen phosphate is used as a buffering agent to control acidity in food. It regulates acidity levels and improves texture and taste by inhibiting the staling process, leading to a loss of flavour, colour, and nutrition of baked goods when exposed to air.

Applications of DAP

• The application of diamine phosphate in the production of parenteral anti-influenza medication has made it possible to significantly reduce bacterial growth in a liquid medium at ambient temperature. The study indicates that diamine phosphate can regrow neurons
• Diammonium hydrogen phosphate is used as a dough strengthening agent in the bakery industry.  It is also added to wine to help reduce the harsh taste of dry wine. This can be done by simultaneously adding tartaric acid and diammonium hydrogen phosphate (1:1 ratio). It has been shown that adding diamine phosphate to wine reduces the production of furfural, which results in less browning during storage
• Diamine phosphate has been used to prevent the rancidity of several foods, such as whole egg powder and skimmed dried milk. It is also used as a buffering agent in cheese processing to control acidity, control flavour, and improve texture
• Diamine Phosphate can be used as a food additive E331 to enhance acidity and help retain freshness in many products, such as canned fruits and vegetables. The addition of diamine phosphate can inhibit the growth of yeast, mould, and bacteria. It is also used to help retard the spoilage of certain foods such as cheese, gums, and frozen citrus fruit
• Diammonium hydrogen phosphate is commonly used to maintain bread’s texture during baking. Bread dough containing diammonium hydrogen phosphate can have a better texture, a softer crust, and retain moisture longer than low–acid brands 
• It is widely employed in the preparation of numerous medicines. For instance, Diamine phosphate citrate is one of the main ingredients used in preparing Renitec, a medicine used as an anti-inflammatory and an immunosuppressant drug. It can also be used in parenteral solutions to treat flu-type I and II. Diamine phosphate is also incorporated in various topical formulations for wound healing and thermal burns injuries
• Diamine phosphate can regrow neurons in the brain. The mechanism of this phenomenon is still a mystery, but it is believed that it plays a role in neuron repair and possible neuron regeneration
• The antioxidant activity of Diamine phosphate is due to its ability to scavenge free radicals, making it a potential candidate for use as an anti-ageing agent. Free radical scavengers are sometimes applied topically as a skin-care ingredient

Health Effects/hazards of DAP 

It is non-toxic with a low level of toxicity. Symptomatic overdoses have been reported to cause nausea and vomiting, usually mild and transient. It is recommended to seek physician’s care in cases of ingestion of large amounts of diamine phosphate.

Conclusion

Diamine phosphate is a generally accepted flavour enhancer and food additive used in many foods and beverages to enhance the flavour and maintain food quality.” According to the article, “Diamine phosphate citrate is one of the main ingredients used in preparing Renitec, a medicine used as an anti-inflammatory and an immunosuppressant drug.” Using Dihydrogen phosphates in medicine is to prevent a burning sensation on the tongue. DAP has a molar mass of 132.06 g/mol and a density of 1.619 g/cm³