PROCESS FOR ENZYMATIC PRODUCTION OF XYLOOLIGOSACCHARIDES FROM THE XYLAN OF CORN COBS

Prebiotics are fast emerging as health-promoting supplements. The study aimed to sculpture xylan from the corn cobs followed by xylooligosaccharides (XOS) production by enzymatic process. Application of 16% NaOH with steam enabled almost 90% recovery of original xylan contents. Commercial xylanase was used to hydrolyze xylan into XOS such as xylobiose (X-2) and xylotriose (X-3). Response surface modeling (RSM) was adopted to minimize xylose and maximize X-2 and X3. According to RSM analysis, maximum X-2 yield (1.208 mg/mL) was obtained at pH 5.97, temperature 41.22C, enzyme dose 7.28 U for 17.31 h of hydrolysis. However, highest (0.715 mg/mL) X-3 production was recorded at pH 5.91, temperature 40.87C, enzyme dose of 5.83 U for 16.59 h of incubation. Application of NaOH (16%) coupled with steam enabled corn cobs to release 90% of original xylan that could be enzymatically converted into prebiotics such as XOS.