College: Science | Department: Food Science and Technology

Title of Research: Extraction and Applications of Okra Pectin

Research Summary:

The mucilage or polysaccharide content (known as pectin) of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) is of major technological interest for food, non-food and medicinal applications. The research sought to isolate and characterize different okra genotypes for their yield, physicochemical, structural, rheological properties, emulsifying properties and potential applications. Okra genotypes provide pectin (11-20%) with different structural and functional properties that can be used as new functional ingredient in the food or pharmaceutical industries. The findings show that okra pectin is a suitable emulsifier for chocolate making. It can also be exploited as disintegrants in immediate release tablet formulations.

Publications (16) from the studies can be found in Food Hydrocolloids , Food Biophysics, Scientific African, Cogent Food & Agriculture, Scientifica, Scientific World Journal, International Journal of Food Properties, Food Science & Nutrition, CYTA-Journal of Food, Journal of Ghana Science Association, Journal of Science and Technology, Food Chemistry Advances and others.

The works present opportunities for investment into the okra value chain as means to improve economic benefits (job creation and income), livelihood, health, and food security.  

The research therefore contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 12 and 17.

Web Links: 

1. Google scholar webpage (‘H’ index 18 with 1275 citations): http://scholar.google.com/citations?user=IJdejFAAAAAJ&hl=en   
2. Scopus (‘H’ index 11 with 521 citations): https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=35799651000   
3. Web of Science : https://publons.com/researcher/1325288/jacob-kwaku-agbenorhevi/   
4. KNUST Staff webpage: https://webapps.knust.edu.gh/staff/dirsearch/profile/summary/e088b6faaa40.html
5. ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8516-7656   
6. ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jacob_Agbenorhevi
7. Academia: https://knust.academia.edu/JacobAgbenorhevi