Catechin Extracted from Uncaria gambier Roxb for Nanocatechin Production: Physical and Chemical Properties

This research reports nanoparticles or nanocatechin produced from catechin extracted from gambier and the differences between the properties of the extracted catechin and nanocatechin. The study began with the preparation of >95% pure catechin through successive extraction. The catechin obtained was converted to nanocatechin with a high-speed homogenizer on a 1% suspension of catechin in water at 12,000 rpm for 30, 45, 60, 75 or 90 minutes. Results showed average diameters of the nanocatechin 90-minute homogenized colloids were then dried with a spray dryer so physical and chemical properties could be compared with those of the raw extracted catechin. Catechin content, water content, pH, refractive index, density, molecular weight and rotational angle were unaltered. Appearance, solubility, thermal properties, highest absorbance wavelength and antioxidant activity were measured. Initial degradation temperature and antioxidant activity of nanocatechin were higher than those in the originally extracted catechin.