Hydrodynamic characterisation of macromolecules in cucurbits

Abstract

This thesis comprises of the study performed on the extraction, isolation and structural characterisation of macromolecular components from the three members of the family Cucurbitaceae. In particular, the polysaccharides from C.moschata, C. maxima and C. pepo (butternut squash, zucchini and pumpkin, respectively) and oil bodies from the seeds of C. pepo are selected on the basis of their antidiabetic potential. The study centred around structural characterisation of the polysaccharides using hydrodynamical methods such as analytical ultracentrifugation (sedimentation velocity and sedimentation equilibrium), viscometry and dynamic light scattering followed by the use of gas chromatography and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrophotometry for the assessment of monosaccharide composition. Bioactivity of these polysaccharides was also examined using complement fixation assay. Pumpkin seed oil bodies were extracted, isolated and characterised under various laboratory conditions to establish the zeta potential and size distribution of oil bodies in the solvent provided. Although the selection of the biomaterial for this study from the three species was based on their antidiabetic potential, other health benefits and practical applications are also associated with them. For example, the characterisation of these macromolecules could act as a stepping stone for the future investigation in therapeutics. These biomaterials can potentially be used in the pharmaceutical industry to act as a drug themselves or can be used as a part of any formulation or otherwise can be used as a nutraceutical compound