This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

fact-checked

peer-reviewed publication

trusted source

proofread

New method extracts antioxidant nutrients from corn processing waste

New method extracts antioxidant nutrients from corn processing waste
(a) Mechanism for the crosslinking reaction of ferulic acid (FA) by laccase and HRP, originating feruloyl dimers (di-FAs). (b) Molecular structure of feruloylated AX from corn bran. Corn bran AX is composed of a (1 → 4)-linked-β-d-xylopyranosyl (Xyl) backbone, with substitutions of α-l-arabinofuranose (Ara) at the C(O)-3 and/or the C(O)-2 positions, and α-d-glucuronic acid (GlcA) or its derivative 4-O-methyl-d-glucuronic acid (m-GlcA) at the C(O)-2 position. The complexity of corn bran AX arises from further oligomeric substitutions to the Ara side chains, composed of Xyl or galactose (Gal) moieties. Corn bran AX is additionally esterified to acetyl and phenolic groups. Time evolution of the depletion of FA and formation of di-FAs during enzymatic crosslinking by (c) laccase (CAX-L) and (d) HRP (CAX-H). Ion extracted HPLC-ESI-MS chromatogram of (e) CAX, (f) CAX-L and (g) CAX-H. The mass to charge ratio of the di-FA peaks were assigned to [M − H2O + H+]. Credit: Green Chemistry (2022). DOI: 10.1039/D2GC03331C

A process for extracting nutritious antioxidant dietary fibers from corn starch production waste could turn tons of nearly-worthless bran into a valuable, circular resource.

Corn bran is rich in the potent antioxidant, ferulic acid. Unfortunately this anti-inflammatory is trapped in an insoluble material matrix that humans can't digest. That is until now.

Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology have reported a way to unlock soluble ferulic acid-rich dietary fibers from this insoluble matrix, and they developed a hydrogel that delivers it to the intestines where it can prevent cell oxidation and improve gut health.

Due to its insolubility, corn bran is a low-value side stream from cornstarch production, which is otherwise discarded or sold off for animal feed. But instead of letting it go to waste, the researchers used a method called subcritical water extraction to isolate the soluble fiber part of the bran that contains ferulic acid.

Francisco Vilaplana, Associate Professor in the Division of Glycoscience at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, says the next step is to create a hydrogel by crosslinking this soluble ferulic acid-rich dietary fiber part using natural enzymes (laccase and peroxidase). The hydrogel can be digested as a prebiotic for gut health, or even used as a treatment for wounds, since it counteracts and contributes to healing.

The method was published in Green Chemistry.

The for cornstarch is estimated at more than 120 million metric tons, and is expected to increase to 160 million metric tons by 2026. In cornstarch processing, as much as 15 percent of the kernel is discarded as fiber, or corn bran, Vilaplana says. "That's a huge industrial side stream."

He says the new technique addresses the worldwide concern about , in terms of sustainability and .

"We showed that we can upgrade a food side stream into a valuable material for both food and that could mitigate inflammatory processes."

More information: Secil Yilmaz-Turan et al, Hydrogels with protective effects against cellular oxidative stress via enzymatic crosslinking of feruloylated arabinoxylan from corn fibre, Green Chemistry (2022). DOI: 10.1039/D2GC03331C

Journal information: Green Chemistry

Citation: New method extracts antioxidant nutrients from corn processing waste (2023, February 1) retrieved 7 March 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2023-02-method-antioxidant-nutrients-corn.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Gut bacteria help digest dietary fiber, release important antioxidant

46 shares

Feedback to editors