Extraction and Characterization of Dietary Fiber, Starch and Cellulose Microfibers from Field Bean and Cowpea Pods

In today’s modern world, there are lot of food losses and wastages during processing of foods, both at household and industrial level. These food processing wastes are rich in essential nutrients like carbohydrates, protein, fiber and phytochemicals which are very essential for maintenance of health and treatment of diseases like CVD, DM, Cancer etc. A study on field bean peel and cowpea peel was carried out to check its nutrient composition, phytochemical composition, in vitro anti-oxidant assessment and functional properties. Fiber and starch extracted from peels was studied for their functional properties. The sources proved to be a good source of fiber and starch which was also proved by the results of functional properties. The cellulose microfibers were extracted and characterized by FTIR Spectrophotometer and result showed absence of lignin in extracted CMF and it can further be used in developing biodegradable packaging material. Keywords: Field bean pods, cowpea pods, Fiber, starch, Phytochemicals, anti-oxidants, cellulose microfibers.