Abstract
Jerusalem artichoke is an important natural matrix for inulin production. In this experiment, response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the spray-drying parameters in order to determine the maximal inulin yield. For this study, three independent variables (heating temperature (Tª, 110–120 °C), creep speed (V, 18–22 rpm) and pressure (P, 0.02–0.04 MPa)) were used in the experimental design. Using the Box–Behnken design, the optimal parameters obtained were: drying temperature 114.6 °C, creep speed 20.02 rpm, and pressure: 0.03 MPa. The inulin yield, water content and particle size of inulin obtained by spray-drying and freeze-drying were compared. In this regard, the spray-dried inulin consisted of a white powder having a fine particle size, and the freeze-dried inulin had a pale-yellow fluffy floc. On the other hand, the drying methods had a great influence on the appearance and internal structure of inulin powder, since the spray-dried inulin had a complete and uniform shape and size, whereas the freeze-dried inulin had a flocculated sheet structure. The analysis showed that the spray-drying led to a higher inulin yield, lower water content and better surface structure than freeze-drying.
Highlights
Jerusalem artichoke is widely planted in northwest China due to its ability to be cold resistant, containing in its tubers ≈14–19% inulin [1,2]
The results showed that inulin yield firstly increased when heating temperature, creeping speed and pressure were increased, but decreased
After applying response surface methodology, the maximal inulin yield was 8.52%, which was obtained under the optimal conditions of heating temperature ≈114.6 ◦ C, creeping speed of
Summary
Jerusalem artichoke is widely planted in northwest China due to its ability to be cold resistant, containing in its tubers ≈14–19% inulin [1,2]. Inulin is widely used in food due to its unique functional properties [7,8]. Inulin is used as a sugar substitute since it does not cause blood sugar fluctuations [9]. The fructose syrup formed after the degradation of inulin can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, especially bifid bacteria with health and anti-cancer effects in the large intestine [10,11]. Fructose syrup has a positive effect on blood sugar and fat reduction, as well as on the bioavailability and immunomodulation of minerals
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