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.