INVESTIGATIONS ON POTATO PULP AS A DIETARY FIBER SOURCE - THE INFLUENCE OF PECTOLYTIC AND CELLULOLYTIC ENZYMES

The influence of treatment with pectolytic and cellulolytic enzyme preparations was investigated with reference to the separation of water and the composition of potato pulp. In contrast to pectinesterase, pectate lyase or cellulase it was found an intensive action on the pulp after incubation with Pectinex Ultra SP-L or pectinase/cellulase combinations. The content of pectin, starch and protein as well as the water binding capacity are varied in dependence of the used enzyme preparations. The occurring changes in the supermolecular structure of the potato pulp tissue are investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The grown biological structure is partly or extensive destroyed especially after combined action of pectinases and cellulases. The content of starch in the potato pulp preparations remains relatively high even after intensive treatment with cell wall degrading enzymes.