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Published on: October 16, 2017
Recovering rhamnogalacturonan-I pectin from sugar beet pulp using a sequential ultrasound and microwave-assisted
Esther Del Amo-Mateos1, Berta Cáceres2, Mónica Coca1
1Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Spain; Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineering, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, Valladolid, Spain.
Abstract:
This research focuses on the integrated recovery of rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I) pectin from sugar beet pulp (SBP). First, the extraction of RG-I pectin through sequential ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was assessed. Optimization using a response surface methodology identified the optimal conditions as initial pH 4, 10 min of UAE, and 157 °C for MAE, achieving a 66.0 % recovery of pectooligosaccharides (POS). Additionally, purification through continuous diafiltration and concentration via ultrafiltration of the POS using membranes with different molecular weight cut-offs (MWCO) was explored. In contrast to previous research using discontinuous diafiltration, the use of continuous diafiltration allowed a decrease in the extract viscosity and obtained higher yields using a higher MWCO membrane. The refined RG-I pectin solids exhibited a high global yield (39-40 g pectin/100 g SBP), and high-methoxyl characteristics, as well as purity levels (70-80 %) similar to commercial prebiotics.
