Rheological, Physicochemical, and Spectroscopic characterizations of Limonia acidissima L. gum exudate with an application in extrusion processing

Abstract

Limonia acidissima L., locally known as “Kavat” is the major gum yielding plant of the Indian sub-continent; however, it is not yet explored commercially. This study explained the physio-chemical and functional properties of the L. acidissima L. gum comparing with gum Acacia and their suitable application in extrusion processing. The purified gum was water-soluble and showed pseudoplastic behavior. Monosaccharide composition of Kavat gum quantified the presence of arabinose (38.81%) as major sugar. SEM and XRD confirmed both the gums' amorphous nature, while DSC and TGA analysis showed gums' good thermal stability. Gums' effect on extrusion cooking and extruded product properties was studied by evaluating water absorption index, expansion ratio, density, water solubility index, and extrudates' hardness. The remarkable properties of L. acidissima L. gum have been confirmed that the gum possesses the potentials to be used as an additive in food and other industries.

Keywords

• Exudate gum
• Limonia acidissima L.
• Acacia gum
• Extrusion processing
• Kavat