Process Optimization for Dietary Fiber Production from Cassava Pulp Using Acid Treatment

Cassava pulp, the side product of tapioca industry consists of starch and fiber as the major component. Acid treatment was employed in the conversion process of cassava pulp into dietary fiber to remove the starch component, to increase fiber content, and to modify the structure of fiber. This study purposed to obtain optimum process conditions (acid concentration, temperature, and reaction time) in the production of dietary fiber from cassava pulp. Process optimization was conducted using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) for maximizing Total Dietary Fiber (TDF), Water Holding Capacity (WHC) and Oil Holding Capacity (OHC) as the responses. The optimum process was gained at 6% H₂SO₄ concentration, 127°C, and 45 mins. Prediction values of TDF, WHC, and OHC were 100%, 10.47 g/g, and 3.60 g/g, respectively. Validation was carried out and resulted in TDF 96.95%, WHC 10.47 g/g, and OHC 3.55 g/g. Physicochemical properties of the resulting dietary fiber were significantly improved. The fiber structure has modified which characterized by the changes in morphology and crystallinity.