Husks of Zea mays as a potential source of biopolymers for food additives and materials' development.

ABSTRACT: Maize husks, an agricultural and industrial residue generated in a large volume, were investigated as a potential source of useful biopolymers. Thus, their chemical composition was firstly studied, after which two biopolymer products were obtained and characterized. Maize husks were dried and milled, obtaining a 210 μm-main particle size powder (MHP). It contained carotenes (4 mg/100 g), and exhibited antioxidant capacity (≈195 mg ascorbic acid/100 g MHP) coming also from extractable coumaric and cinnamic acids-derivatives (14 mg/100 g). A 31% of the MPH was water-soluble at room temperature, mainly constituted by fructose, glucose, and sorbitol of mesophylls' intracellular origin. The water insoluble fiber (WIF, ≈70%), which showed antioxidant capacity (≈25-33 mg ascorbic acid/100 g WIF),

SUBMITTER: Bernhardt DC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6411502 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature