Arabinoxylan Microspheres: Structural and Textural Characteristics

The aim of this research was to study the structural and textural characteristics of maize bran arabinoxylan (MBAX) microspheres. The laccase-induced cross-linking process was monitored by storage (G') and loss (G'') moduli changes in a 4% (w/v) MBAX solution. The G' and G'' values at the plateau region were 215 and 4 Pa, respectively. After gelation, the content of ferulic acid dimers decreased from 0.135 to 0.03 µg/mg MBAX, suggesting the formation of ferulated structures unreleased by mild alkaline hydrolysis. MBAX microspheres presented an average diameter of 531 µm and a swelling ratio value (q) of 18 g water/g MBAX. The structural parameters of MBAX microspheres were calculated from equilibrium swelling experiments, presenting an average mesh size of 52 nm. Microstructure and textural properties of dried MBAX microspheres were studied by scanning electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms, respectively, showing a heterogeneous mesoporous and macroporous structure throughout the network.