journal article·2025-09-28Open access

Effects of Inulin Supplementation and Electron Beam Irradiation Assisted with Pregelatinization Process on the Quality of Pisang Awak Banana Powder

Bootsrapa Leelawat, Samatarn Thongwattananun, Nutwasa Jaroenjun, Surasak Sajjabut

Applied Sciences· Volume 15· Issue 19

Abstract

Unripe Pisang Awak banana is rich in resistant starch and dietary fiber, which are recognized for supporting digestive health and bowel regularity, yet its limited solubility restricts its application in instant beverages. This study aimed to improve the functional quality of Pisang Awak banana powder (PABP) through drum drying, electron beam irradiation, and inulin supplementation. PABP was produced by tray or drum drying and irradiated at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 kGy. Drum-dried powder treated with 8 kGy was identified as optimal and further fortified with inulin at 0–10% (w/w). Compared with tray drying, drum drying with irradiation markedly accelerated rehydration and enhanced solubility. Incorporation of 10% inulin produced the best overall performance, yielding faster reconstitution, greater solubility at 80–90 °C, and lower viscosity values across all pasting parameters. Collectively, the combination of drum drying, irradiation, and inulin addition yielded a banana powder with improved reconstitution and reduced gelation upon cooling. This optimized formulation demonstrates potential as a model for starch-based instant powders, while also contributing to the sustainable utilization of local banana resources.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Microbial Metabolites in Food Biotechnology · Food composition and properties · Seed and Plant Biochemistry

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Center of Excellence in Food Science and Innovation, Thammasat University, Bangkok 12120, Thailand

Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University, Bangkok 10200, Thailand

Technology Research and Development Center, Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology, Nakhon Nayok 26120, Thailand

Funding

Thammasat University Center of Excellence in Food Science and Innovation

References (42)

Show source-provided references
1. Zhang, S., Zhao, K., Xu, F., Chen, X., Zhu, K., Zhang, Y., and Xia, G. (2023). Study of Unripe and Inferior Banana Flours Pre-Gelatinized by Four Different Physical Methods. Front. Nutr., 10.10.3389/fnut.2023.1201106 ↗
2. Resistant Starch and Bioactive Contents of Unripe Banana Flour as Influenced by Harvesting Periods and Its Application10.3844/ajabssp.2014.457.465 ↗
3. Physiological and Metabolic Properties of a Digestion Resistant Maltodextrin, Classified as Type 3 Retro graded Resistant Starch10.1021/jf062057w ↗
4. Li, P., Li, M., Song, Y., Huang, X., Wu, T., Xu, Z.Z., and Lu, H. (2022). Green Banana Flour Contributes to Gut Microbiota Recovery and Improves Colonic Barrier Integrity in Mice Following Antibiotic Perturbation. Front. Nutr., 9.10.3389/fnut.2022.832848 ↗
5. Physiological Effects of Resistant Starch and Its Applications in Food: A Review10.1186/s43014-023-00156-x ↗
6. The Study of Competition of Cultivated Banana Producers in Isaan Region: The Case of Sangkom District, Nong Khai Province
7. Chong, C.W., Liew, M.S., Ooi, W., Jamil, H., Lim, A., Hooi, S.L., Tay, C.S.C., and Tan, G. (2024). Effect of Green Banana and Pineapple Fibre Powder Consumption on Host Gut Microbiome. Front. Nutr., 11.10.3389/fnut.2024.1437645 ↗
8. Electron Beam Irradiation: A Non-Thermal Technology for Food Safety and Quality Control10.1111/1541-4337.70205 ↗
9. World Health Organization (1991). Safety and Nutritional Adequacy of Irradiated Food, WHO.
10. Effect of Gamma Irradiation on Molecular Structure and Physicochemical Properties of Corn Starch10.1111/j.1750-3841.2009.01159.x ↗
11. Electron Beam Irradiated Maize Starch: Changes in Structural, Physico-Chemical Properties, and Digestibility10.21833/ijaas.2020.03.013 ↗
12. Effects of Electron Beam Irradiation on Physicochemical Properties of Corn Flour and Improvement of the Gelatinization Inhibition10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.04.152 ↗
13. Effects of Single and Dual Modifications through Electron Beam Irradiation and Hydroxypropylation on Physicochemical Properties of Potato and Corn Starches10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.09.091 ↗
14. Effects of Electron-Beam Irradiation on Physicochemical Properties of Starches Separated from Stored Wheat10.1002/star.201000052 ↗
15. Effect of 10 MeV Electron Beam Irradiation on the Structure and Functional Properties of Wheat Starch10.1007/s11483-023-09787-6 ↗
16. Kananurux, N., and Thongngam, M. (2009, January 17–20). Effect of Pregelatinization Processes on Functional Properties of Banana Flour. Proceedings of the 47th Kasetsart University Annual Conference: Agro-Industry, Bangkok, Thailand.
17. Inulin-Type Fructans: Functional Food Ingredients10.1093/jn/137.11.2493S ↗
18. Physicochemical Properties and Nutritional Compositions of Foamed Banana Powders (Pisang Awak, Musa sapientum L.) Dehydrated by Various Drying Methods
19. Effect of Drying Temperature on Preparation and Quality Evaluation of Raw Banana Powder and Shelf Life
20. Amer, B.M.A., Azam, M.M., and Saad, A.G. (2023). Monitoring Temperature Profile and Drying Kinetics of Thin-Layer Banana Slices under Controlled Forced Convection Conditions. Processes, 11.10.3390/pr11061771 ↗
21. Effect of Temperature on the Physicochemical Properties of Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) Powder
22. Quality Improvement of Boba from Sago Flour Supplemented with Inulin Using Electron Beam
23. The Effects of Spray Drying Conditions on Water Absorption Index, Water Solubility Index, Solubility and Water Activity (aw) of Rice Milk Powder
24. (1997). General Pasting Method Using the Rapid Visco Analyser (RVA) (Standard No. AACC International Method 76-21.01).
25. (1996). Rapid Pasting Method Using the Newport Rapid Visco Analyser (Standard 1 Profile) (Standard No. ICC Standard No. 162).
26. Swelling Power and Water Solubility of Cassava and Sweet Potatoes Flour10.1016/j.proenv.2015.01.025 ↗
27. Rheological and Physical Characterization of Pregelatinized Maize Starches10.1016/S0260-8774(01)00086-3 ↗
28. Clean Label Starch: Production, Physicochemical Characteristics, and Industrial Applications10.1007/s10068-020-00834-3 ↗
29. Effects of Drum Drying on Physical and Antioxidant Properties of Riceberry Flour
30. Physicochemical Properties of Pregelatinized Wheat Starch Produced by a Twin Drum Drier
31. Changes in Characteristics of Sweet Potato Flour Prepared by Different Drying Techniques10.1016/j.lwt.2004.12.010 ↗
32. An Overview on Drying
33. Electron-Beam Processed Corn Starch: Evaluation of Physicochemical and Structural Properties and Technical Economic Aspects of the Processing10.1590/S0104-66322013000400016 ↗
34. Research Progress on Properties of Pre-Gelatinized Starch and Its Application in Wheat Flour Products10.1016/j.gaost.2022.01.001 ↗
35. Impact of Inulin and Stabilizers on Rehydration, Stability, and Physical Properties after Reconstitution of Yoghurt Powder10.1111/jfpp.17001 ↗
36. Improving the Functional and Instantaneous Properties of Pre-Gelatinized Riceberry Powder through Pulsed Fluidized-Bed Agglomeration10.15586/ijfs.v37i3.2923 ↗
37. Inulin: Properties, Health Benefits and Food Applications10.1016/j.carbpol.2016.04.020 ↗
38. Xie, Y., Shao, Y., Zhang, Y., Yu, Q., Yang, X., Ren, A., and Shang, F. (2025). Effects of Inulin Addition on Areca Taro Starch in Terms of Transparency, Freeze–Thaw Stability, Gelatinization Properties, and Rheological Properties. J. Future Foods, in press.10.1016/j.jfutfo.2025.01.013 ↗
39. Effect of Inulin on Pasting, Thermal, Rheological Properties and In Vitro Digestibility of Pea Starch Gel10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.11.004 ↗
40. Michalska-Ciechanowska, A., Majerska, J., Brzezowska, J., Wojdyło, A., and Figiel, A. (2020). The Influence of Maltodextrin and Inulin on the Physico-Chemical Properties of Cranberry Juice Powders. ChemEngineering, 4.10.3390/chemengineering4010012 ↗
41. Inulin-Enriched Dairy Desserts: Physicochemical and Sensory Aspects10.3168/jds.2009-2241 ↗
42. Effects of Replacing Starch by Inulin on the Physicochemical, Texture and Sensory Characteristics of Gummy Jellies10.1080/19476337.2017.1327462 ↗