Characterization and identification of the mucilage extracted from orchid bulbs (Bletia campanulata) by high temperature capillary gas chromatography (HT-CGC)

The aim of this work was to develop an analytical method by High Temperature Capillary Gas Chromatography (HT-CGC) to characterize and identify the presence of tzauhtli, orchid mucilage, in works of art. During the pre-Hispanic and colonial period, tzauhtli was used as an adhesive for paper and feathers, as well as paint binder, and was one of the components of the paste used to model corn stalk sculptures, The mucilage was extracted with hot water from orchid bulbs (Bletia campanulata) and lyophilized. The free sugars from the mucilage were analyzed by CGC after derivatization. The polysaccharide of the mucilage was characterized after its partial acid hydrolysis by HT-CGC analysis of the oligosaccharides obtained, The proposed chromatographic method allows the identification of different mucilages in works of art. This contribution is the first report of the oligosaccharides from the hydrolysis of the mucilage extracted from orchid bulbs (Bletia campanulata).