Current Project
Soybean and soybean products have long been used as a principle source of protein and as a nutritional and functional food ingredient in many human and animal foods. Soy meal contains almost 50% protein and more than 30% carbohydrates. Currently fish meal containing about 72% of protein is used as the main component of Aquafeeds. Aquaculture production is continuously increasing on the other hand fish meal production is approximately constant for last several years and there is no indication of increased production in future. So a viable substitute of fish meal having similar nutrient content as fish meal is required to sustain the growth of aquaculture. Soy meal having similar amino acid profile is expected to be a potential alternative of fish meal. The ultimate goal of this work will be to increase the protein percentage in refined soy meal by enzyme (cellulase) hydrolysis methods. Carbohydrate fibers will be hydrolyzed to soluble sugars leaving the proteins insoluble at their isoelectric points (about pH 4.5). The enriched soy protein concentrate will be used as a substitute of fish meal in aqua feeds. The sugar solution containing a small amount of soluble proteins will be fermented by yeast (Debaryomyces hansenii SBP-1) to produce a high value product arabitol.
Arabitol, Low Calorie Sweetener
Arabitol is a mirror image stereoisomer of xylitol which is low calorie sugar substitute having antimicrobial properties. Arabitol having higher sweetness per calorie content than xylitol is also assumed to have the antimicrobial characteristics which also will be investigated.Arabitol being a stereo isomer of xylitol have similar chemical properties. Xylitol is proven to have anticariogenic properties. Streptococcus mutans, responsible for dental carries, is inhibited in presence of xylitol in anaerobic condition. arabitol is also able to inhibit the growth of oral bacteria.
Potential uses of arabitol
Oral hygiene products such as toothpaste, fluoride tablets and mouthwash
In food industry as it is a extremely low calorie sweetener such as in chewing gums, tablets, cough syrups, sugar-less chocolates, etc
Sweets for diabetic patients
Potential uses of arabitol
Oral hygiene products such as toothpaste, fluoride tablets and mouthwash
In food industry as it is a extremely low calorie sweetener such as in chewing gums, tablets, cough syrups, sugar-less chocolates, etc
Sweets for diabetic patients
Biodegradable Polymer synthesis
Arabitol can also be used to produce biodegradable polymers. Xylitol is recently used to produce Poly Xylitol Sebacate (PXS) and Poly Xylitol Citrate (PXC) those are potential biodegradable polymers. Preparation of biodegradable polymer using Arabitol along with sebacic acid and citric acid by condensation polymerization will be also investigated.
Potential Applications of arabitol based polymers
surgical adhesives drug delivery vehicle biodegradable suture tissu engineering
overall project outline