Fundamental Research Grant Scheme Phase1 (2023)

Project Summary & Impact Statement:

Probiotic fruit extract powder is an emerging health food alternative for individuals with lactose intolerance and vegan dietary practices. Presently, the majority of the probiotic foods are dairy-based. Jackfruit is one of the selected tropical fruits to be commercially scaled up by the government of Malaysia due to its nutrient-dense and functional characteristics. Therefore, this project is proposed to explore the integrated green technologies consist of ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction, lacto-fermentation, and foam-mat drying in the production of probiotic jackfruit extract powder. This fundamental research aims to investigate the synergistic interactions between the parameters of these processing operations on the physicochemical, microbiological, and bioactive (antioxidant and anti-inflammation) properties of probiotic jackfruit extract powder. Initially, the effects of ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction on the yield and properties of jackfruit extract will be determined, followed by the investigation of the effects of lacto-fermentation by Lactobacillus plantarum. The fermented jackfruit extract will be then dried into powder form through foam-mat drying. Lastly, the correlation between the parameters of all three processes (ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction, lacto-fermentation, and foam-mat drying) with the properties of probiotic jackfruit extract powder will be determined to figure out the synergistic effects between the processing operations. This study provides a basic insight into the economic potential of this integrated green technology in probiotic jackfruit extract powder production. Besides, this project is also expected to prepare a preliminary data set for future upscaling processes to produce probiotic jackfruit extract powder. The project's aim is aligned with SDG 3 (Good health and well-being) by preserving the maximum nutrient content of jackfruit in the form of lacto-fermented powdered extract using integrated green technology to help in achieving good health in the population.