Claims:We Claim:
1. A method of isolation of refined fibre (RF) having degree of polymerization in the range of 700- 850 and tenacity of less than 10 g/denier from a banana pseudo-stem, comprising the steps of:
(a) removing sheaths of the banana pseudo stem;
(b) separating hard fiber (HF) and RF containing juice from the sheaths;
(c) separating the juice from the RF;
(d) treating the de-juiced RF of step c) with a de-browning solution for about 10 to 30 minutes; within a temperature range of 10°C to 40°C, wherein the de-browning solution comprises at least one solid inorganic acid;
(e) separating the de-browning solution from the RF.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the RF in step e) is washed with distilled water until a pH of 5 to 7 is attained and then dried at a temperature in the range of 45°C to 80°C to reduce its moisture content to 3% to 7%.
3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the dried refined fibre is ground to a particle size of 50-200 micron.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the de-browning solution has a concentration of 0.1% to 1% and a pH of 2 to 4.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the solid inorganic acid is selected from a group consisting of mono sodium phosphate, sodium acid pyrophosphate, mono potassium phosphate and a combination thereof.
6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the de-browning solution comprises at least one solid organic acid selected from a group consisting of ascorbic acid, oxalic acid, citric acid and a combination thereof.
7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the de-browning solution comprises at least one antioxidant selected from a group consisting of potassium metabisulphite, sodium metabisulphite, sodium bisulphite, potassium bisulphite and a combination thereof and at least one complexing agent selected from a group consisting of ß-cyclodextrin, EDTA and a combination thereof.
8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the same de-browning solution is used for 12 to 15 cycles and wherein the initial concentration of the de-browning solution is increased by 20% to 30% in each cycle.
9. The product as claimed in claim 1, wherein the RF is a refined dietary fibre.
10. A refined fibre (RF) having degree of polymerization in the range of 700- 850 and tenacity of less than 10 g/denier, isolated from a banana pseudo-stem, characterized in that the refined fibre has a total water holding capacity of 6 gm/gm to 8 gm /gm of fibre, total carbohydrate content of 82% to 87% of which the total dietary fibre content is 51% to 75%, starch content of 18% to 25%, protein content of 2.5% to 3.8%, potassium content of 0.5% to 2.0% and calcium content of 0.4% to 2%.
11. The product as claimed in claim 10, wherein the RF contains 6-9% of lignin
12. The product as claimed in claim 10, wherein the tenacity of the RF is 4-9 g/denier.
Dated this 16th day of March 2020
, Description:FORM 2

THE PATENT ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
As amended by the Patents (Amendment) Act, 2005
&
The Patents Rules, 2003
As amended by the Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2006
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)

TITLE OF THE INVENTION
Refined fibre isolated from banana pseudo-stem and a method of preparing the same.

APPLICANTS
Aditya Birla Science and Technology Company Pvt Ltd, Plot number 1 and 1-A/1 MIDC, Taloja, MIDC, Taluka- Panvel, District- Raigad- 410208, Maharashtra, India; and
Aditya Birla Chemicals (Thailand) Limited, Phosphates Division, 77 Moo 6 Soi Sukhaphiban 1, Poochaosaming Prai Road, Samrong Phrapradaeng, Samutprakarn- 10130, Thailand.

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes this invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to refined fibre (RF) isolated from banana pseudo-stem and a method of preparing the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to refined fibre having degree of polymerization in the range of 700- 850 and tenacity of less than 10 g/denier isolated from a banana pseudo-stem and a method thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Fiber in foods, because of their various physio-chemical characteristics (water holding, particle size, viscosity and solubility) can change their consistency, texture, rheology and sensory characteristic of the end products. Increasing dietary fibre intake lowers blood pressure and serum cholesterol levels, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and certain gastrointestinal diseases. Increased intake of soluble fibre improves glycaemia and insulin sensitivity.
[003] Dietary fibre, obtained from plant source is considered a healthier and E-number free additive in food products, alternative to various chemical based additives. Dietary fibre is often produced from the food source that is considered to be a waste for example, corn stalks, oat hulls, wheat straw, soy hulls, almond skins and waste portions of fruits and vegetables. Dietary fiber is categorized as soluble and insoluble. Insoluble fiber consists of cellulose, hemi-cellulose and lignin, and soluble fiber consist more fermentable pectin substances, gums, mucilages.
[004] Dietary fibers, irrespective of the its source, the physio-chemical properties are determined on the basis of certain characteristics such as water-holding capacity, solubility, viscosity, fermentation, and bile acid binding. Water holding capacity, in particular is an essential tool to describe the biological effects, such as induction of colonic fermentation and increase in stool weight (Auffret et. al). In food application the water holding property of the dietary fiber impacts the texture and aspect of food products. The higher water holding capacity and the well dispersed nature of the fiber will act as an efficient thickening agent in salad dressing, processed cheeses, sauces, gravies and dairy products.
[005] In the process of preparing refined dietary fiber, the prior arts have demonstrated the removal of lignin from the whole cellulose matrix. In general, removal of lignin is affected by harsh chemical treatment (alkali or acid treatment) or under high temperature and pressure conditions, which generates copious amount of waste water and cause environmental problem.
[006] Moreover, lignin is known to cause cellulose fibres to stick together and therefore, reducing the surface area, which in turn affects the water holding property. In accordance with the prior art, lignin removal process was accomplished by a) treating with concentrated alkali metal hydroxide solutions with high temperature, up to 110 °C and pressure, up to 3000 psi; b) hydrolyzing the cellulose at an acidic condition at elevated temperature, up to 90°C; c) soaking in alkali solution, refining and homogenizing at a pressure of 5000 psi (US 6506435). The above said processes requires extremely energy-intensive steps due to the high pressure and temperature. In addition, these processes generate waste water stream of very high pH (>10) or very low pH (<2) which adds cost to waste water treatment processes.
[007] Therefore, there is a need to prepare a refined dietary fibre from a plant source using an environmentally friendly process that solves some of the problem present in the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of isolation of refined fibre (RF) having degree of polymerization in the range of 700- 850 and tenacity of less than 10 g/denier from a banana pseudo-stem, comprising the steps of:
(a) removing sheaths of the banana pseudo stem;
(b) separating hard fiber (HF) and RF containing juice from the sheaths;
(c) separating the juice from the RF;
(d) treating the de-juiced RF of step c) with a de-browning solution for about 10 to 30 minutes; within a temperature range of 10°C to 40°C, wherein the de-browning solution comprises at least one solid inorganic acid;
(e) separating the de-browning solution from the RF.
[009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a refined fibre (RF) having degree of polymerization in the range of 700- 850 and tenacity of less than 10 g/denier, isolated from a banana pseudo-stem, characterized in that the refined fibre has a total water holding capacity of 6 gm/gm to 8 gm /gm of fibre, total carbohydrate content of 82% to 87% of which the total dietary fibre content is 51% to 75%, starch content of 18% to 25%, protein content of 2.5% to 3.8%, potassium content of 0.5% to 2.0% and calcium content of 0.4% to 2%.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[010] As set out in the claims, the present invention eliminates or reduces the aforementioned problems of the prior art by providing a refined fibre isolated from banana pseudo-stem such that it has a degree of polymerization in the range of 700- 850 and tenacity of less than 10 g/denier. The present invention specifically refers to a method to isolate refined fibre from banana pseudo stem having such specifications that it can be used as a dietary fibre in the food industry. Moreover, this invention focuses on a method of isolation of refined insoluble dietary fibre from banana pseudo stem by a physical treatment rather chemical treatment. This process provides a fibre material with substantial amount of decreased lignin (26-32%) as compared to unprocessed fiber. The isolated refined fibre shows 25-30% higher water holding property than the unprocessed fibre.
[011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sheaths of banana pseudo stem are physically removed and high-lignin containing hard fibre (HF) is separated from RF using a fibre extraction equipment. The RF contains juice from the sheath. Thereafter, this juice is separated from the RF, preferably by filter press, and the de-juiced RF is treated with a de-browning solution for about 10 to 30 minutes, within a temperature range of 10°C to 40°C. This de-browning solution is then separated from the RF. This process provides a fibre material with substantial amount of less lignin (26-32%) compare to the unprocessed fiber. The refined fibre contains 6-9% lignin.
[012] In an embodiment, this separated RF is then washed with distilled water until a pH of 5 to 7 is attained and then dried at a temperature in the range of 45°C to 80°C to reduce its moisture content to 3% to 7%.
[013] In an embodiment, the dried refined fibre is ground to a particle size of 50-200 micron.
[014] Preferably, the de-browning solution has a concentration of 0.1% to 1% and a pH of 2 to 4.
[015] In an embodiment, the de-browning solution comprises at least one solid inorganic acid which is selected from a group consisting of mono sodium phosphate, sodium acid pyrophosphate, mono potassium phosphate and a combination thereof.
[016] In another embodiment, the de-browning solution comprises at least one solid organic acid selected from a group consisting of ascorbic acid, oxalic acid, citric acid and a combination thereof.
[017] In an embodiment, the de-browning solution comprises at least one antioxidant selected from a group consisting of potassium metabisulphite, sodium metabisulphite, sodium bisulphite, potassium bisulphite and a combination thereof and at least one complexing agent selected from a group consisting of ß-cyclodextrin, EDTA and a combination thereof.
[018] Preferably, the same de-browning solution is used for 12 to 15 cycles and wherein the initial concentration of the de-browning solution is increased by 20% to 30% in each cycle.
[019] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a refined fibre (RF) having degree of polymerization in the range of 700- 850 and tenacity of less than 10 g/denier, isolated from a banana pseudo-stem, such that the refined fibre has a total water holding capacity of 6 gm/gm to 8 gm /gm of fibre, total carbohydrate content of 82% to 87% of which the total dietary fibre content is 51% to 75%, starch content of 18% to 25%, protein content of 2.5% to 3.8%, potassium content of 0.5% to 2.0% and calcium content of 0.4% to 2%. Preferably, the RF contains 6-9% of lignin and the tenacity of the RF is 4-9 g/denier. Moreover, this isolated refined fibre is used as a dietary fibre.

EXPERIMENTAL DATA
[020] The following experimental examples are illustrative of the invention but not limitative of the scope thereof:
[021] Experimental procedure for the Isolation of refined fiber from banana pseudo stem:
The banana pseudo stem with length around six feet and green in color was chosen for the experiments. The sheaths were removed from the pseudo stem. Using Raspoder banana fibre extraction machine the hard fiber, refined fiber along with juice was separated. The refined fiber was separated from juice by filter press and then, the refined fiber was treated with a demineralized water having de-browning agent (0.1-1%) at room temperature. The refined fiber was then separated from de-browning solution using filter press and washed with demineralized water until pH 6–7 is attend. The refined was then, separated by a filter press and dried using tray dryer at a temperature of 60-80 oC for 4- 6 h. The dried material with moisture content of 4-6% was ground using hammer mill to get the powder of desired particle sizes (60-200 micron).
Table 1: Product Characteristics

Particular Value
Physical Analysis
Colour Off-white
Partial size 60-200 micron
Moisture 4-6 %
Chemical Analysis
Total carbohydrates 82-87 %
Total dietary fiber 51-75 %
Starch 18-25 %
Protein 2.5-3.8 %
Potassium 0.5-2 %
Calcium 0.4-2 %
Water holding capacity 6 - 8 gm/gm of fiber
Ash content 5-7 %
Lignin 6-9 %

[022] Example 1: Refined dietary fiber in Chiffon cakes application
The egg yolk (39.5%) and half of sugar (10.35%) were mixed with a whisk attachment in a Kitchen Aid mixer set on speed 5 for 3 min to stir well together, and then the mixture and the sifted cake flour (17.5%, 16%, 15.5%, 14.5%), refined dietary fiber (0%, 1.5%, 2%, 3%) vegetable oil (9.4%), milk (12.3%) and baking powder (0.3%) were poured into the bowl. All Ingredients were mixed by until smooth “batter” and rest for 10 min. In foam preparation, the egg whites and potassium bitartrate (0.2%) were mixed at speed 5 for 20 secs, and then rest sugar (10.35%) was poured into the mixer at speed 5 for 2 min and then mixed on a speed stir setting for 30 sec. until the egg white reaches a stiff peak stage. The foam was poured into the batter and mixed by hand until smooth. The cake batter was immediately poured into cake pans and baked at 160 to 170°C for 30 min in a preheated oven.
Observation: Chiffon cakes, after cooking and cutting, the surface appearance, weight loss, colour & air bubbles were same for both control and with 1.5% refine fiber. The result indicated that chiffon cake formulated with fiber had improved textural quality-more firm texture.
[023] Example 2: Refined dietary fiber in making Patties:
Fresh meat (66%) and back fat (13%, 11.5%, 11%, 10%) coarsely ground in a mincer through an 8 mm plate. Minced meat and fat were mixed with salt (1.3%), ice (7.5%) and seasoning (6.7%) using mixing machine. Then egg (5.5%) and refined dietary fiber (0%, 1.5%, 2%, 3%) were added and mixed manually for approximately 5 minutes. The 90 g mixtures meat were processed into burger that has 85 mm diameter and 1 cm thickness by using a metal shaper. Each treatment was kept in the freezer at -18 °C for 3 weeks in vacuum-packages, then was cooked using an electric hot air at 150°C for 15 min.
Observation: Replacing fat with 1.5% of refined fiber minimizing weight loss (6-9%) of cooked product due to less total fluid release of product after cooking . Appearance of the patties with refined fiber treatment can reduce shrinkage and provide a brighter and shiny surface as compared to control. Additionally, use of refined fiber has enhancing quality of patties and provide high cooked yield, more water retention and maintain quality shape.
[024] Advantages of the present invention:
a. The whole process involved in the preparation of refined banana pseudo stem fibre is a minimum to zero waste process where the bi-products are useful in various other applications;
b. The present method does not involve any chemical treatments to isolate the refined fibre;
c. The present method is environmentally friendly and does not generate waste water of high or low pH;
d. Removal about 26-32% lignin increases the water holding capacity about 25-30% which is an essential component in the food application.
[025] The foregoing description of specific embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obvious modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings.