Crocin production and its prospect as biocolorant in polymer products

• Main Authors: Mohd Hatta, Farah Ayuni, Othman, Rashidi, Ramya, Razanah, Wan Sulaiman, Wan Syibrah Hanisah, Mohd Latif, Nur Hanie
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Nova Science Publishers, Inc 2021
• Subjects: S Agriculture (General); TP1080 Polymers, plastics and their manufacture; TP248.13 Biotechnology; TP372.6 Halal food industry; TP934 Paints, pigments, varnishes, etc
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/94025/1/94025_Crocin%20production%20and%20its%20prospect%20as%20biocolorant.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/94025/; https://novapublishers.com/shop/agricultural-research-updates-volume-38/

The essential carotenoids for humans are found in plants with red, orange or yellow pigmentation. These carotenoids are generally lipophilic, however, some of the plants produce very unique hydrophilic carotenoid compounds. The Saffron or Crocus sativus plants contain a hydrophilic carotenoid compound called ‘crocin’ that displays many biological properties like antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. There has been an increasing demand for importing this spice in many countries, including Malaysia, which has encouraged researchers to search for different ways to cultivate this “red gold” spice in vivo or in vitro. Saffron cultivation is practical for ensuring plant conservation, mass propagation, and commercialisation in the tropical Malaysian climate. Though saffron is an expensive spice, its carotenoid compound, i.e., crocin shows a high-water solubility, is stable at different oxidation, pH and light levels and resists microbial attacks. As a result, it can be used commercially in various food-related industries. Numerous researchers have conducted studies where they investigated the utilisation of the biocolourants for minimising the environmental effect caused by the industries using synthetic colourants. Hence, the researchers have proposed several crocin extraction processes. The basic extraction techniques can be used for crocin extraction owing to its high polarity and high water-solubility compared to other lipophilic carotenoid compounds. However, some other parameters need to be investigated for improving the quality and quantity of the yield. In this chapter, the researchers have discussed the potential of using crocin as a biocolourant in various polymeric products. There has been increased incorporation of crocin in polymeric products that can be used in different applied sectors like agrotechnology industries and even final product manufacturing processes related to polymeric industries. These biocolourant compounds can be used as a food-safe compound, or in manufacturing kids and baby items, cosmetics, medical devices (e.g., gloves, implants, bandages), and pharmaceutical products.