Isolation and Free Radical Scavenging Ability of Linear Polysaccharides From Cuttlebone of Sepia prashadi

Background This study aimed to isolate linear polysaccharides from Sepia prashadi cuttlebone with the objective of evaluating their ability to scavenge free radicals. By providing new natural components for pharmaceutical and functional food uses, this research advances our understanding of the potential health benefits of polysaccharides originating from marine sources and their antioxidant properties. Objective The objective of the study is to isolate a linear polysaccharide chitosan from Sepia prashadi cuttlebone (produced by the partial deacetylation of chitin), characterize its structure using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), and explore the isolated polysaccharide's free radical scavenging potential. Material and methods Linear polysaccharide, chitosan was extracted chemically from Sepia prashadi from cuttlebone waste, by demineralization and deproteinization.Chemical characterization of chitosan was performed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) in the 400-4000 nm frequency range. The surface characteristics of chitosan, such as its texture, porosity, and roughness, are visible in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. X-ray diffraction (XRD) can be utilized to examine how chitosan interacts with other substances, such as medications or nanoparticles, by analyzing alterations in the diffraction pattern during complexation or formulation. Scavenging ability was demonstrated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide radical, and chelating ability of ferrous ions assays. Results  Chitosan is formed from chitin. The extraction yields of chitosan and chitin were 78% and 39%, respectively. High levels of superoxide radical scavenging activity (76.1%), DPPH radical scavenging activity (62.1%) and chelating activity (127.5% at 100 g/mL) were observed in cuttlebone chitosan. Sepia prashadi showed an increased antioxidant activity in chitosan. Conclusion The goal of this study was to determine the effectiveness of various extraction techniques for preserving the antioxidant activity of chitosan derived from Sepia prashadi cuttlebone waste. The maximum scavenging activity was demonstrated by both the chelating ability and antioxidant activity. Considering that this raw material is derived from renewable resources and produces highly valued chemicals, it is a profitable endeavor.