Estudo e análise de técnicas para extração de goma de Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth.

Abstract

Albizia lebbeck is an asian tree species that adapted well to the Brazilian climate, in particular, the semi-arid region of Paraiba state. It is useful in soil recovery, and is also used for urban afforestation. The gum produced by tree species is a defense mechanism against insect attacks or pathogenic microorganisms. The extraction of that gum is a relatively recent economic activity on the national scene - since the 1970s. The process takes place through cuts or perforations in the trunk bark, in order to expose the interface between the secondary xylem and the phloem, so that the “wound” activates the release of gum through resinous pipelines, and can be intensified by chemical stimulants. Studies on the Albízia exuded gum, although still scarce, indicate similarity to acacia gum, which contains special sugars such as galactose and arabinose. This study sought to apply and/or adapt existing gum extraction techniques to the Albizia lebbeck species. Open and closed systems were tested, at different heights to the soil and use of H2SO4 in different concentrations, to establish what is best suited to the species. Although it was found the need to improve the techniques, it was possible to notice that the methods performed can be promising and that this study serves as a starting point for the development of resin activity in this type of tree.