Synthesis of Prebiotic Caramels Catalyzed by Ion-Exchange Resin Particles: Kinetic Model for the Formation of Di-d-fructose Dianhydrides.

Caramel enriched in di-d-fructose dianhydrides (DFAs, a family of prebiotic cyclic fructodisaccharides) is a functional food with beneficial properties for health. The aim of this work was to study the conversion of fructose into DFAs catalyzed by acid ion-exchange resin, in order to establish a simplified mechanism of the caramelization reaction and a kinetic model for DFA formation. Batch reactor experiments were carried out in a 250 mL spherical glass flask and afforded up to 50% DFA yields.

Purification of sugar beet vinasse - adsorption of polyphenolic and dark colored compounds on different commercial activated carbons.

The adsorption on activated carbons of dark colored compounds contained in sugar beet vinasse was studied. Four commercial activated carbons with different properties (particle size, residual acidity and microporous properties) were respectively checked for efficiency at two temperature levels (25 degrees C and 40 degrees C) and at four pH levels (2,3.5,7,10).