Characterization and biological activities of synthesized citrus pectin-MgO nanocomposite

Abstract

Pectin, a biopolymer was extracted from the peels of orange. In extraction of the pectin from orange peel, acid hydrolysis of the dry orange fruit peel was carried out and continued precipitation using ethanol. The percentage yield of the extracted pectin is 12.25%. Equivalent weight, degree of esterification, methoxy content, AUA% and molecular weight for pectin were determined. Further by co-precipitation method the citrus pectin-MgO nanocomposite was prepared. Extracted pectin and citrus pectin-MgO nanocomposite were characterized by Powdered X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electronic microscope (SEM). The antibacterial activity of pectin and pectin-MgO nanocomposite was extensively studied on clinical pathogens Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus. Antifungal activity was also studied against pathogenic organisms; Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. They were also screened for antioxidant DPPH radical scavenging assay. The biological activity data showed that the citrus pectin-MgO nanocomposite is more potent than the pectin.

Keywords

• Citrus Pectin-MgO nanocomposite
• Antibacterial
• Antifungal
• DPPH radical scavenging assay