EXTRACTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF HYALURONIC ACID FROM QUAIL EGG MEMBRANE FOR COSMETIC USE

Abstract

This study focused on valorizing agro-industrial waste, specifically quail eggshells, as an underexploited source of hyaluronic acid (HA). Bolivia, with its high production of this byproduct, presents an opportunity to utilize it in the cosmetic industry. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural biopolymer with extraordinary biological functions, such as water retention and tissue regeneration, making it highly valuable in cosmetics. Chicken eggshells, a traditional HA source, contain 5-10% by weight of thisbiopolymer. Given that quail eggs share similar physicochemical properties with chicken eggs, this study offers a promising alternative for high-value HA production. Extraction and characterization of HA from quail eggshell membranes were performed. Membrane color and thickness were characterized, and three sodium acetate concentrations (3%, 4%, and 5%) were tested as solvents in the extraction process, along with two dialysis times (24 and 48 hours) to optimize HA purity and yield. Samples were analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and quantified via a uronic acid-specific method, forming a pink color detectable by UV-Vis spectroscopy. For extraction, a 5% sodium acetate concentration yielded the highest HA amount, while purity was highest at 3%. A 48-hour dialysis time facilitated impurity removal, resulting in high-purity HA. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using quail eggshell membranes as an alternative HA source, adding value to food industry waste and providing a high-value product for cosmetics, while promoting the use of underutilized resources.