Physicochemical properties of konjac glucomannan extracted from konjac flour by a simple centrifugation process

Abstract

Konjac flour (KF) contains main polysaccharide, konjac glucomannan (KGM) that is applied in various applications; however, extraction of KGM is complicated. A simple centrifugation process was used to extract KGM from KF and the influence of extraction temperatures on its physicochemical properties was determined. The centrifugation process was effective for the extraction of KGM and the results revealed two effective temperatures (35 °C and 75 °C). The extracted KGM was easy to grind. Ash and protein contents of the extracted KGM were clearly reduced, however the ash and protein contents of the KGM extracted at the high temperature (75 °C) were significantly lower than that extracted at the low temperature (35 °C), and thus proofs the extraction at the high temperature to be more effective. Furthermore, improved purities in both extracted glucomannan samples were attained in comparison to commercial KGM. While the yield percentages of the samples differed, no significant disparity in morphology and particle size was determined. Particles of both extracted KGM were comparable in shape and size. Moreover, the transparency of both extracted KGM solutions was higher than commercial KGM solution. These results suggested that the extraction temperature at 75 °C is effective in extraction KGM from KF.