Structure and Solubility of Polysaccharides

Bioactive polysaccharides from Aegle marmelos fruit: Recent trends on extraction, bio-techno functionality, and food applications

Polysaccharides from non-conventional sources, such as fruits, have gained significant attention recently. Aegle marmelos (Bael), a non-conventional fruit, is an excellent source of biologically active components with potential indigenous therapeutic and food applications. Apart from polyphenolic components, this is an excellent source of mucilaginous polysaccharides. Polysaccharides are one the major components of bael fruit, having a high amount of galactose and glucuronic acid, which contributes to its potential therapeutic properties. Therefore, this review emphasizes the conventional and emerging techniques of polysaccharide extraction from bael fruit. Insight into the attributes of polysaccharide components, their techno-functional properties, characterization of bael fruit polysaccharide, emulsifying properties, binding properties, reduction of hazardous dyes, application of polysaccharides in film formation, application of polysaccharide as a nanocomposite, and biological activities of bael fruit polysaccharides are discussed. This review also systematically overviews the relationship between extraction techniques, structural characteristics, and biological activities. Additionally, recommendations, future perspectives, and new valuable insight towards better utilization of bael fruit polysaccharide have been given importance, which can be promoted in the long term.

Effect of alternative sweetener and carbohydrate polymer mixtures on the physical properties, melting and crystallization behaviour of dark compound chocolate

This study aims to evaluate the effect of sucrose replacer mixtures (erythritol, mannitol, or tagatose in combination with inulin or polydextrose) on the crystal morphology, particle size distribution, rheology, melting properties, and fat polymorphism of dark compound chocolate. The result showed that the replacer mixture's hygroscopicity, particle size, and sugar crystal shape might significantly impact dark compound chocolate's rheological and textural properties but had no substantial impact on the melting properties and fat crystallization. Mannitol-containing samples exhibited the highest rheological value, likely related to their high moisture content, small particle size, and elongated crystal shape. Due to the similar specific surface area and comparable D90 value, the sample containing erythritol-polydextrose mixture resulted in a similar (P ≥ 0.05) Casson yield value (46.184 ± 2.45 Pa) compared to the sample containing sucrose (38.348 ± 1.68 Pa). It could be a potential sucrose replacer in the dark compound chocolate.

Production of biopolymers from food waste: Constrains and perspectives

Food is an essential commodity for the survival of any form of life on earth. Yet generation of plethora of food waste has significantly elevated the global concern for food scarcity, human and environment deterioration. Also, increasing use of polymers derived from petroleum hydrocarbons has elevated the concerns towards the depletion of this non-renewable resource. In this review, the use of waste food for the production of bio-polymers and their associated challenges has been thoroughly investigated using scientometric analysis. Various categories of food waste including fruit, vegetable, and oily waste can be employed for the production of different biopolymers including polyhydroxyalkanoates, starch, cellulose, collagen and others. The advances in the production of biopolymers through chemical, microbial or enzymatic process that increases the acceptability of these biopolymers has been reviewed. The comprehensive compiled information may assist researchers for addressing and solving the issues pertaining to food wastage and fossil fuel depletion.