Gum of Terminalia argentea Mart. Et. Zucc. (Combretaceae) as a Resource in Biotechnology Processes: Chemistry and Toxicity

Abstract

Biodegradable polymers are in areas such as pharmaceutical, food and bioremediation processes. Isolation, characterization (SEM, FTIR, TGA, Monosaccharide Composition, Zeta Potential), antimicrobial activity and toxicity to Artemia salina and Allium cepa L. from the in natura gummy exudate of Terminalia argentea (GTa) are presented herein. The data show irregular morphology and depressions, bands in 1770, 2112, 1354 cm-1, indicating groups of polysaccharides, amphiphilic character, thermo-degradation above 300 ° C and low water activity (0.6). The assays were negative for S. aureus and E. coli, nontoxic against the bioindicators tested. GTa presented low cost, extracted and isolated in a sustainable way, with possibility of commercial exploitation by communities, since these biopolymers present possibilities of applications as agents in the support of immobilization of enzymes, as sensors in diagnostics, encapsulating material in processes of microencapsulation of drugs and additives in food industries.

Keywords

• Capitão-do-Campo
• Biopolymer
• Ecological Toxicity