Cellulase-assisted extraction of oligosaccharides from defatted rice bran

Defatted rice bran was subjected to cellulase treatment in order to increase its extractable oligosaccharides. Various combinations of enzyme concentration (0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0%), temperature (room, 30, 40, and 50 degrees C), and time (1, 3, 5, and 16 h) were tested to identify the optimum extraction conditions. The saccharide content and composition of the extracts were analyzed by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD). Digestibility was assayed in vitro with human salivary and porcine pancreatic alpha-amylases. Extraction yield ranged from 13.4% (without cellulase) to 39.9% (with 2% cellulase). Total carbohydrates, reducing sugars, and crude protein of the dried extracts ranged from 69.2% to 87.2%, 18.7% to 62.3%, and 7.1% to 22.3%, respectively. Mono- and disaccharides constituted more than 50% of the total carbohydrates in the extracts. Inherent oligosaccharides and those produced by cellulolysis made up less than 25%. The in vitro digestibility of the extracts by alpha-amylases was lower compared with that of the original rice bran sample and potato dextrin, which could be attributed to the increased concentrations of oligosaccharides and reducing sugars.