RESUMO
Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was prepared by hydrochloric acid hydrolysis from Muli bamboo (Melocanna baccifera) fibers to tap its potential as a green source of MCC. The cellulose and α-cellulose yield from the original material were 62.5 and 54.8 % respectively. The physicochemical properties of the prepared MCC were investigated using Avicel PH101 as a comparator. Micromeritic properties of the powder MCC samples were analyzed by determining its average particle size, flow properties, particle porosity and density. The total ash and moisture content along with the swelling index were also determined. The prepared MCC was also characterized by fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and x-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD). Results from these analyses indicate that the Muli bamboo can be used as a green source of MCC.
RESUMO
The aim of the present study was to determine the ultraviolet (UV) absorption properties of aqueous herbal extracts of some commonly found vegetable sources by determining the sun protection factor (SPF) number. The in vitro SPF number is determined according to the spectrophotometric method described by Mansur et al. Aqueous herbal extracts were prepared and after dilution with alcoholic solutions the absorbance were recorded between 290-320 nm using UV-vis spectrophotometry. It was observed that all of the tested herbals showed some UV protection capabilities with aqueous coconut extract showing the highest SPF number of 7.38 while watermelon showed the lowest SPF number of 0.97.