Extraction, characterization and functionality assessment of Aloe vera, chitosan and silk sericin

Abstract

Aloe vera, chitosan, and silk sericin have been investigated for their physicochemical properties as well as functional characteristics such as antibacterial, antioxidant, and UV resistance. Aloe vera was extracted by methanol as a solvent. Silk sericin was prepared from a boiled water solution of silk cocoons through ethanol precipitation, while chitosan was synthesized by deacetylation of chitin. FT-IR, TGA, DSC, EDX, UV–vis, and XRD were used to characterize the extracted Aloe vera, chitosan, and sericin. Antibacterial activity, antioxidant activity and UV protection factors were also investigated. The TGA graph revealed that the significant weight loss at 400 °C was 39%, 51%, and 52%. for Aloe vera, chitosan, and sericin, respectively. For E. coli, Aloe vera, chitosan, and silk sericin, the zones of inhibition were 2.5 mm, 3 mm, and 1 mm, respectively, whereas for S. aureus, the zones of inhibition were 4 mm, 5 mm, and 1.5 mm. The free radical scavenging activity of 10 mg/ml Aloe vera, chitosan and sericin was 93%, 53% and 52%, respectively. All three UV radiation zones were absorbed by an Aloe vera solution. Chitosan and silk sericin solution exclusively absorbed UV-C rays. These almost priceless natural resources can contribute to health-related beneficial issues.