Combined enzymatic degradation of dextran and starch towards enhancement of the raw cane sugar juice filtration efficiency

Abstract

By assessing the polarization, colour, dextran, starch, phenols, proteins, melassigenic cations (Na+, K+) and Ca2+, reducing sugars and pH, presented study evaluates the main factors influencing non-sugars content and juice filterability in 17 raw cane sugar samples of different geographical origin. ?-amylase and dextranase were applied for combined enzymatic degradation of starch and dextran as main undesirable compounds in raw cane sugar juices (15 ?Brix and pH 5.5) at four different concentrations (10:12.5, 20:25, 30:37.5 and 40:50 ppm) and 55 ?C during 30 min. Decrease of starch and dextran concentrations in juices remarkably increased filterability in range of 20-75% for different raw cane sugar juices. Combined enzymatic effect of ?-amylase and dextranase mixture in concentration 30:37.5 ppm showed best result for improving filterability of raw cane sugar juices through reduction in starch and dextran content as main non-sugar impurities. Selecting the raw cane sugar with appropriate quality parameters facilitates the refining process. Simultaneous addition of ?-amylase and dextranase mixture (30:37.5 ppm/juice) can improve filterability of low polarization raw cane sugar juice up to 41% and contribute to the refining process enhancement and thus obtention of high-quality refined cane sugar.