Several plants are rich in iron content which can fulfill the iron deficiency in affected persons.
We need to extract iron in its natural form from the plants, which may increase the bioavailability.
Are there any good methods available for Total extraction of iron containing its natural conjugated or unconjugated form? Which better techniques can be used to extract iron-protein or iron-polysaccharides conjugates from plants.
Iron extraction from plants can be a complex process due to the presence of iron in various forms, such as inorganic salts, heme complexes, iron-protein conjugates, and iron-polysaccharide complexes. Extracting iron in its natural form from plants can enhance its bioavailability and make it more accessible for human consumption.
There are several techniques that can be used for the total extraction of iron from plants. Here are a few commonly employed methods:
Acid extraction: This method involves treating the plant material with acid, such as hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid, to dissolve the iron compounds. The resulting solution can be further processed to isolate the iron.
Chelation: Chelating agents like ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or citric acid can be used to complex and solubilize the iron from plant material. The chelating agent forms stable complexes with iron, making it easier to extract.
Enzymatic extraction: Certain enzymes, such as cellulases or pectinases, can be used to break down plant cell walls and release iron from iron-polysaccharide complexes. Enzymatic methods are more specific and can help target specific iron complexes in plants.
Protein extraction: Protein extraction techniques, such as solubilization using detergents or organic solvents, can be employed to extract iron-protein conjugates from plant sources. These methods aim to disrupt the protein structure and release the iron bound to proteins.
It's important to note that the choice of extraction method depends on the specific plant material, its iron composition, and the desired form of iron extraction. Additionally, optimizing extraction conditions, such as temperature, pH, and extraction time, can also influence the efficiency of iron extraction.
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