Comparative study of spray and drum drying technologies on functional properties of tamarind seed xyloglucan at pilot scale

Abstract

In this study, tamarind seed xyloglucan (TSX) was extracted from tamarind kernel powder (TKP) at a pilot scale and dried using spray drying and drum drying techniques. The objectives were to assess the feasibility of these drying methods for TSX powder production and to compare the product quality. The results demonstrated that both drying methods successfully produced TSX powders, with powder recoveries of 55.3% and 86.8% for spray drying and drum drying, respectively. Spray-dried powders were fine, spherical, and creamy white, whereas drum-dried powders exhibited irregular shapes, a wider particle size distribution, and darker color. Spray-dried samples showed higher molecular weight (1200 vs. 1000 kDa) and greater pasting viscosities, while drum-dried samples had higher water absorption index (WAI). FT-IR analysis confirmed high xyloglucan purity, with relative concentrations of 95.2% and 100% for spray-dried and drum-dried powders, respectively, compared to a commercial xyloglucan standard. Rheological analysis revealed that TSX maintained stable viscosity across a broad pH range, exhibited shear-thinning behavior, and remained functional in high-salt environments. The selection of an appropriate drying method for TSX powder production should be guided by the intended product specifications and the operational priorities of the manufacturer.