Comprehensive Physical and Chemical Characterization of Corncob and Nopal Fibers: Exploring Sustainable Alternatives for High-Value Applications Academic Article in Scopus uri icon

abstract

  • Corn and nopal residues are abundantly available renewable materials that have the potential to produce functional fibers, with applications in industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. This study analyzes corncob and nopal pruning waste as potential sources of functional fibers. A comparison between the properties of raw and cooked corncob¿s pith and woody ring, alongside nopal mucilage and cladode fiber, is carried out. The study examines various physicochemical properties through proximate analysis, functionality tests, phenolic determination, and enzyme inhibition tests. Results indicated that the cooking process resulted in an insoluble-fiber-rich material. Nopal-derived samples exhibited higher water solubility, while corn-derived samples showed greater water and oil absorption. Nopal-derived samples displayed total phenolic content between 9.3 and 14.4 mg gallic acid equivalent /g of dry basis sample (DB) and antioxidant activity varying from 4.2 to 5.8 ¿mol Trolox/g DB. Corncob-derived samples exhibited higher amounts of bound ferulic acid content, ranging from approximately 6.9 to 32.5 ¿g/mg DB. Nopal fiber and corn broth precipitate demonstrated remarkable enzyme inhibition activity, suggesting their potential applications in functional foods and dietary interventions. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the physical and chemical properties of corn and nopal cladode fibers, shedding light on their potential utilization in food formulation design due to their properties and potential health benefits. © 2023 American Chemical Society.

publication date

  • December 15, 2023