Process for the preparation of long-chain inulin with inulinase

Abstract

A process for the preparation of long-chain inulin having an average chain length greater than 20 monomer units while simultaneously obtaining glucose and fructose is performed. An aqueous crude inulin suspension with a crude inulin concentration of 20-70% by weight is subjected to enzymatic treatment with inulinase at temperatures of 30.degree.-70.degree. C. During the process the short-chain components are degraded to mono- and disaccharides, and the long-chain inulins are then separated off from the mono- and disaccharides and converted into dry form. The long chain inulins may be separated from the mono- and disaccharides by crystallization by cooling and centrifugation or chromatographically using a strongly acidic cation exchange resin loaded with calcium ions. The long chain inulins can be used as a component in foodstuffs, in conjunction with sweeteners, bulking agents, thickeners, stabilizers, as well as a fat substitute in foodstuffs, a carbohydrate substitute, dietary fiber, as an excipient for pharmacologically active substances, and as an indicator for kidney clearance.

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