Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Polysaccharides

Abstract

In this chapter, the use of microwave irradiation has been reviewed and discussed for the extraction of polysaccharides as well as for combined processes involving extraction and hydrolysis of these compounds. Special attention has been paid to polysaccharides with bioactive properties. Fundamentals and instrumentation, together with a detailed discussion on the effect of the most important parameters affecting the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) process, are presented. Some of the most recent and outstanding applications of MAE for the extraction of polysaccharides, mainly from food matrices or food by-products, are described and classified according to the type of polysac-charide extracted. The comparison in terms of speed, yield, etc. of MAE with other conventional (solid-liquid extraction) or emerging techniques (pressurized liquid extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction) is also shown. The scale-up of MAE technique and the development of hybrid systems (e.g., ultrasonic-microwave-assisted extraction, UMAE) are shown as future trends. To conclude, MAE is shown as a promising emerging technique for extraction of polysaccharides from natural sources.