| abstract |
Pectins from gel and rind cell wall fibers of Aloe vera are extracted, isolated and identified. Two classes of Aloe pectin are obtained: the high-molecular-weight (HMW) pectin and the low-molecular-weight (LMW) pectin. Aloe pectin have a low methoxyl (LM) content Aloe pectins form gel in the presence of calcium, and they, especially, the HMW pectin, form monovalent cation based gels at low temperature, which revert back to solution when brought to room temperature. The HMW Aloe pectin-calcium gel is used for controlled release. The monovalent cation-based gel is used as a matrix for storing pharmacological substances and also for antigen and antibody precipitation reaction. |