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Extraction and Characterization of Cocoa Bean Shell Cell Wall Polysaccharides
Amalie Younes1, Salwa Karboune1, Lan Liu1
1Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Macdonald Campus, McGill University, Ste Anne de Bellevue, QC H9X3V9, Canada.
Polymers
|February 11, 2023
Summary
Cocoa bean shells (CBS) are rich in fiber and polyphenols. Their extracted cell wall polysaccharides show promising prebiotic activity, supporting probiotic growth and producing beneficial short-chain fatty acids.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
Background:
- Cocoa bean shells (CBS) are an abundant agricultural by-product.
- CBS contain significant amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, ash, and polyphenols.
- Polyphenols include quercetin, epicatechin, and catechin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the chemical composition of CBS.
- To isolate and analyze cell wall polysaccharides from CBS.
- To evaluate the prebiotic potential of CBS polysaccharides on probiotic strains.
Main Methods:
- Alkaline extraction (0.5 M and 4 M KOH) to isolate cell wall polysaccharides.
- Chemical composition analysis of CBS, including carbohydrates, proteins, ash, and polyphenols.
- Prebiotic activity assessment using probiotic growth promotion and short-chain fatty acid profiling.
Main Results:
- CBS are rich in dietary fiber, protein, ash, and polyphenols.
- Pectic polysaccharides (rhamnogalacturonan, arabinogalactan) were the primary components (80.6-86%) of isolated cell wall polysaccharides.
- CBS polysaccharides demonstrated prebiotic activity comparable to or exceeding inulin, promoting probiotic growth and producing lactic, acetic, and propionic acids.
Conclusions:
- CBS are a valuable source of functional ingredients, particularly cell wall polysaccharides.
- CBS polysaccharides exhibit significant prebiotic potential, supporting beneficial gut bacteria.
- Further research into CBS utilization could lead to novel functional food ingredients and improved waste valorization.
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