Isolation and structural characterization of mucilaginous polysaccharides obtained from the seeds of Cassia uniflora for industrial application.

• Mucilaginous polysaccharide was isolated after extraction of Cassia uniflora seeds. • Mucilage is reddish-brown color powder with good polysaccharides content and stability. • Isolate was studied by micrometric, thermo-analytical & spectrophotometric characterization. • Structural elucidation confirms polysaccharides residues (β- d -glucose) in the pyranose form. • Cassia uniflora polysaccharides is promising gelling agent with industrial applications. In present study we explored powder of mucilaginous polysaccharides obtained from seeds of Cassia uniflora by determining its physicochemical, thermal, phytochemical, spectrophotometric and micrometric properties. The probable structure of isolated mucilaginous polysaccharide was determined using FTIR and 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, which demonstrated that the Cassia uniflora seed mucilage is rich in the polysaccharides residues (β- d -glucose) in the pyranose form. The mucilage was also explored for its gelling ability. X-ray diffraction patterns indicate the mucilage was amorphous in nature. This enables its application as a gelling agent in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food industries. It exhibits gelling ability at 1% w/w concentration. The mucilage exhibited swelling as well as pseudo plastic behaviour and good micrometric properties. Texture profile analysis of (3% w/w) prepared gel showed comparable properties of hardness, adhesiveness, gumminess and springiness to standard tragacanth. These features allow its application in food matrices and in pharmaceutical as a gelling and thickening agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]