Properties of soluble dietary fiber-polysaccharide from papaya peel obtained through alkaline or ultrasound-assisted alkaline extraction.

Soluble dietary fiber (SDF) from the peel of papaya (Carica papaya Linn.) was recovered through alkaline extraction (alkaline-extracted SDF, a-SDF) and ultrasound-assisted alkaline extraction (ultrasound-treated SDF, u-SDF) processes, and the composition, structure and properties of the extracts were compared. The optimal parameters for obtaining the maximum extraction yield of u-SDF were evaluated through response surface methodology. Under optimal conditions, the maximum yield of u-SDF was 36.99%, and u-SDF had a lower total amino acid content but a higher essential amino acid (16.18%) than a-SDF. A monosaccharide analysis indicated that the primary sugars in a-SDF and u-SDF were neutral sugars and pectic saccharides, respectively. An X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that u-SDF was less crystalline than a-SDF. Moreover, a thermal analysis indicated that u-SDF exhibited higher thermal stability. In addition, u-SDF exhibited higher water-holding, oil-holding and swelling capacities than a-SDF. These results indicate that papaya peel is a potential inexpensive source of natural dietary fiber and a potential functional food ingredient.