Optimization of Spray Drying Process Parameters for Sweet Corn Enzymolysis Liquid

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this study was to optimize the spray drying process parameters for sweet corn enzymolysis liquid concentrate (SCELC). Experimental design with inlet temperature (170–190°C), SCELC/maltodextrin (MD) ratio (0.25–4) and inlet feed rate (800–1000 mL h−1) as independent variables was studied to investigate the effects on product responses. The corresponding results showed that an increase in the inlet temperature resulted in sweet corn powder with lower moisture, bulk density, L* value, H° value and higher water solubility index. Meanwhile, an increase in MD ratio brought lower moisture and higher L* value, H° value, water solubility index. It was also found that an increase in the inlet feed rate caused higher moisture and lower water solubility index. The highest production yield was achieved at 42.86% with optimized inlet temperature of 177.66°C, SCELC/MD ratio of 0.84 and inlet feed rate of 834.50 mL h−1. Accordingly, the production yield, moisture content, bulk density, water solubility index, L* and H° value were 42.86%, 3.57%, 0.45 g/cm3, 96.54 g/100 g, 84.46, and 83.54, respectively.