EFFECT OF DRYING METHODS ON THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF FLAXSEED MUCILAGE

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) is a source of polysaccharidic seed mucilage (FSM) that has unique physicochemical properties including high water-holding capacity, high viscosity and the ability to form a weak gel. In this study, the effect of different drying methods on FSM physical properties was evaluated using rheological, thermal, separation and microscopic technics. Powdered FSM samples were obtained by ethanol precipitation, oven drying, freeze-drying, spray drying, vacuum drying and air-drying. It was found that different drying methods specifically affected the integrity of polysaccharide complex.