Effect of particle size on physical, techno-functional and antioxidant properties of corn silk powder

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of particle size dispersion of corn silk on physical, techno-functional and antioxidant properties. Corn silk (variety: G5417) was processed into size fractions of 750, 425, 300, 212, 150 and 75 mu m and were characterised. The average particle size of the soluble fraction was found to be 364.4 d.nm. The particle size distribution of corn silk powder was found to have a substantial impact on different physical parameters. The results showed a significant decrease in (0.595 +/- 0.02 g cm(-3)) to 300 m (0.420 +/- 0.02 g cm(-3)) and for tapped density, values decreased from 0.725 +/- 0.04 (750 mu m) to 0.580 +/- 0.02 g cm(-3) (75 mu m). The corn silk powder showed intermediate flow with the values of Carr's index from 1.21 +/- 0.03% to 1.48 +/- 0.17% and Hausner ratio 17.83 +/- 2.68% to 33.63 +/- 0.42%, respectively, from coarser to finer particles. The water absorption capacity increased significantly and oil absorption capacity decreased significantly (P < 0.05) from coarser to finer particles. The antioxidant activity increased significantly when the particle size was reduced. The results obtained showed that corn silk powder has the potential to be used for the development of instant mixes, infant food formulas, bakery food items and value-added products.