Halal Bio-Based Innovation: The Feasibility of Bamboo- Derived Silica as a Halal Gelatine-Like Substance

Abstract

The demand for halal-certified alternatives to animal-derived gelatin has increased due to concerns about religious, ethical, and sustainability issues. Initial exploration into bamboo (Gigantochloa scortechini) as a potential gelatin source revealed that the plant lacks the collagenous protein structure necessary for gelatin production. Consequently, the research focus shifted toward two viable extractable compounds—pectin from bamboo shoots and silica from bamboo leaves—with an emphasis on silica due to its superior yield, functional versatility, and inherent halal compliance. This study employed thermal-chemical extraction for silica and ultrasound-assisted hot acid extraction for pectin, with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirming compound identities. Silica yield reached 4.77% with complete absence of organic impurities post-calcination, while pectin yields were ≤0.29% with low methylation. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of bamboo-derived silica as a novel bio-based material. When functionally modified and blended with halal biopolymers, silica may emulate certain gelatin properties, offering opportunities for sustainable and halal-compliant biomaterial development.