Physicochemical and functional parameters of Cochlospermum vitifolium (bototo) gum exudate

Abstract

The physicochemical parameters of Cochlospermum vitifolium were evaluated and they were linked to certain functional properties of industrial interest. The physicochemical parameters were determined by the classic methodology used for carbohydrates and the functional properties, as reported in the literature. The results obtained showed that the gum object of this study is low soluble in water (32.00%), which it corresponds with a relatively high values of swelling index (19.60) and water absorption capacity (77.30%). Also, the high intrinsic viscosity of the C. vitifolium exudate (16.97 dl/g) was related to a high molar mass (8.50 x 10 6 g/mol). These characteristics confer to bototo gum a potential use as a thickener and stabilizer of emulsions. On the other hand, the emulsifying capacity of 84.80 % may be attributed to hydrophobic groups present in its structure (i.e. acetyl and methyl of rhamnose) rather than to the low protein content (0.88%). The gum gels at a minimum concentration, (4.5%), and the mechanism of gelification may be related with interchain crosslinks, established through the divalent cations (predominant in the polymer), which may form junction zones. The C. vitifolium gum exhibits important physicochemical and functional parameters which could serve as a criterion for testing its use in various industries.