Abstract
An efficient protocol for physico-chemical characterization of gum exudates collected from the drumstick tree (Moringa oleifera Lam.) has been reported in the present study. Extraction of gum metabolites was done using a series of water, alcohol, acid, and alkali solvent systems. The gum was sparingly soluble in water at room temperature and formed a colloidal solution. Solubility of the gum gradually increased in the solvent gradient (80% ethanol, deionized water, 0.05 M HCl, and 0.05 M NaOH) at 90 °C. Further, electron microscopy revealed that the acetyl group is essential in maintaining the structural integrity, and deacetylation of gum resulted in formation of a mesh of scattered and fibrous particles. Treatment of gum with deionized water resulted in development of a hydrocolloidal matrix with a pore size of 0.5 μm, which upon deacetylation was reduced up to 0.2 μm. The polymer was amorphous in nature and showed maximum thermal stability in ethanol. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of the gum polymer revealed that carbohydrate derivatives constituted its major part (>75%). Maximum carbohydrate concentration was obtained in the ethanol soluble fraction, along with fatty acids (10%) and secondary metabolites (9%). The results provided very first confirmation of the hydrocolloidal properties and thermostability of the gum exudates obtained from the drumstick tree, which can further be used to develop an eco-friendly and nontoxic bioligand.