Optimization of the Opuntia ficus indica mucilage extraction method

TORRES, CAROLA ANALÍA; PÉREZ ZAMORA, CRISTINA MARISEL; NUÑEZ, MARÍA BEATRIZ; GONZALEZ, ANA MARÍA

Recife

Congreso; 9th International Phytocosmetics and Phytotherapy Congress; 2019

International Society for Phytocosmetic Science

BackgroundOpuntia mucilage is a complex carbohydrate produced by plants known as ?tuna? whose scientific name is Opuntia ficus-indica of the botanical family Cactaceae.Some researchers mention its industrial potential since it could be used as a hydrocolloid in the cosmetic industry. In addition, it could be used as an encapsulating agent, gelling agent, texture and viscosity modifier, and foam stabilizer, among others. On the other hand, mucilage, when extracted from a vegetable, has an advantage over animal mucilage, due to its positive image in the eyes of consumers. There are several variables that can affect the yield of mucilage extraction such as the age of the cladodium, the extraction process, the cladodium/water, and mucilage/solvent ratio, extraction time and temperature. In previous work, we have determined that the best ratio between pad/water was 1:6 while the most suitable temperature for extraction is 80°C. Continuing with this line, the objective of this work was to determine if time and agitation influence the extractive yield.Material and methodsThe cladodes, two years of age, were collected during the morning. The spines were removed, then the cladodes were washed and disinfected. The cladodes were cut into small squares and placed in a blender with water at 40 °C. The ratio pad/water was 1:6. To evaluate the effect of time on the extraction process, the blended product was placed in a thermostated bath at 80 °C for 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes. On the other hand, the same treatment was performed, incorporating the agitation (6000 rpm). Then, the liquid was filtered in all the cases. The filtrate was placed in an oven at 60 °C to reduce the volume. Subsequently, the mucilage was precipitated with ethanol (ratio 1:3) and centrifuged. The precipitated was placed in an oven at 70 °C until dryness. The extraction yield was calculated in each case. ANOVA followed by Tukey?s posthoc test, was used to detect the treatment differences.Results and discussionThe results showed no significant difference between extraction with or without agitation. The yield was more than 1% in all cases. Regarding the extraction time, the lowest yield was obtained at 30 minutes, while there were no significant differences in the other treatments.ConclusionsOn the basis of these results and for practical purposes, the working conditions for obtaining mucilage will be cladodium/water ratio 1:6, temperature and time extraction 80° C, 60 minutes, without agitation.