A Group of Researchers of IPB Analyzed the Benefits of Chitosan from Silkworm as an Antioxidant
Oxidative stress, defined as a disturbance in the balance between the production of reactive oxygen species (free radicals) and antioxidant defenses, is discussed in relation to its possible role in the production of tissue damage in diabetes mellitus. Oxidative stress plays a major role in the development of life-related diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular. Oxidative stress is a normal phenomenon in the body. Under normal conditions, the physiologically important intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are maintained at low levels by various enzyme systems participating in the in vivo redox homeostasis. Therefore, oxidative stress can also be viewed as an imbalance between the prooxidants and antioxidants in the body. Oxidative stress occurs when the balance between antioxidants and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) is disrupted due to decreased amount of antioxidant or ROS accumulation in the body. An antioxidant is a molecule stable enough to donate an electron to a rampaging free radical and neutralize it, thus reducing its capacity to damage. These antioxidants delay or inhibit cellular damage mainly through their free radical scavenging property.
Prevention efforts against these diseases can be done through changing lifestyle, daily food consumption, and medical treatment. Changing the pattern of food consumption can be done in several ways, including by increasing the consumption of healthy foods and rich in antioxidants. Diet is major source of antioxidants, as well as medicinal herbs are catching attention to be commercial source of antioxidants at present. Recognition of upstream and downstream antioxidant therapy to oxidative stress has been proved an effective tool in alteration of any neuronal damage as well as free radical scavenging.
A group of researchers of Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) had been implemented the research program on the antioxidant activity of carboxymethyl chitosan of pupa silkworm and its effects. The group consisted of Dzul Fadly, Prof. Clara Meliyanti Kusharto, Dr.Lilik Kustiyah and Dr. Ir. Flat Suptijah. This research had been conducted in September 2015 to January 2017 at the laboratory of IPB.
Prof. Clara stated that carboxymethyl chitosan (KMK), is a derivative product of chitin by deacetylating acetyls from chitin. Among all the natural macromolecular substances, chito a type of chitosan derivative that is believed to provide many benefits to health, such as antioxidants, antihypertensives, antiinflamatori, antimikrobial, and anti-cancer. In addition to crustacean animal shells, silkworm pupa is an industrial waste of silk is also an alternative source of chitosan and its derivatives. This indicates that this waste has potential as a source of antioxidant KMK.
Prof. Clara added, waste silk yarn production obtained through cocoon spinning in the form of pupa. Currently silk worm pupa is known to be utilized as a high-protein food ingredient powder to be used as a basic ingredient for the manufacture of complementary foods of ASI (MPASI), nuggets, or flakes. The process of making high-protein food from coconut leaves a cocoon skin that is known to contain chitosan.
"The silkworm pupa used in this study was obtained from several silk spinning industries in Wajo, South Sulawesi and Pati, Central Java, using silkworms with similar species and strains. Then, pupa processed to obtain pupa skin and then processed into chitosan, "said Prof. Clara.
The research revealed that KMK has antioxidant activity that can inhibit free radicals. The results of this study can provide alternative food sources of antioxidants as an effort to prevent oxidative stress that trigger the occurrence of degenerative diseases. In addition, it is able to provide an positive value to the ecosystem through the reuse of industrial waste silk. (Wied)
