Scientific publications
Brenton Hubert Ndibi
Other affiliations: Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation
Hervé Barye Tatang
Jean Mermoz Siéwé
Jean Aimé Mbey* (Corresponding author)
Essential Chem
In this study, the extraction of okra pod mucilage (OPM) using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) at 320 W with different extraction times (1–4 min) and hot water-assisted extraction (HWE) was done. Thereafter, OPMs were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), evaluation of the degree of esterification (DE), solubility, and pH in some polar solvents (distilled water (H2O), ethanol (EtOH), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)). On the organoleptic properties, the OPMs exhibited a pleasant smell characteristic of sugars. The FTIR spectra confirm the presence of bands characteristic of OPM polysaccharides, and the values of DE (6.46‒9.87%) suggest an influence of the microwave treatment time on the esterification rate. The obtained OPMs had contrasting solubility (52–86% in H2O, 4–46% in EtOH, 0–58% in DMSO) and pH (4.62–7.42 in H2O, 6.07–6.86 in EtOH, 6.07–6.69 in DMSO) owing to the influence of MAE time on the structural characteristics of OPM polysaccharides. This study shows that a variation in MAE time influences the structural and physicochemical properties of OPM polysaccharides. This can be used to extract OPM with tailored properties for specific applications in different industrial fields. In line with the exhibited properties of OPM, applications as clarifying, emulsifying, and coloring agents are suggested.
