Production of a banana (Musa cavendishii) extract containing no polyphenoloxidase by ultrafiltration

The objective of this research was the production of a banana extract conta ining no polyphenol oxidase by ultrafiltration. Banana juice was extracted after inhibition of polyphenol oxidase using a solution containing 0.15 g p er 100 ml of sodium metabisulphite and 1 g per 100 ml of ascorbic acid in d istilled water to avoid initial browning. Polyphenol oxidase was then retai ned by ultrafiltration using polysulphone membranes with a cut-off of 20 kD altons. Two transmembrane pressures, 600 and 800 kPa, were used but 600 kPa was preferred because of the more stable permeate flux which decreased les s with time and concentration of extract. (C) 1999 Society of Chemical Indu stry.