Effect of extrusion parameters on conjugated linoleic acids of corn extrudates

The effects of extrusion temperature, 150-190 degrees C, and torque, 50-70%, on the content and configuration of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) in corn extrudates were analyzed by GC and HPLC. At a temperature of 150 degrees C, CLA content increased from 1.2 mg/g of oil in feed to 7.8 mg/g of oil in corn extrudates. A decrease in total CLA (P < 0.05) was obtained when the product temperature was further increased to 190 degrees C. Alteration of CLA geometrical configuration was observed at higher extrusion temperatures. trans,trans-CLA significantly increased (P < 0.05) from 10.2% in feed to 11.9% of CLA at the extrusion condition of 190 degrees C and 70% torque. The highest expansion of extrudates was found at the product temperature of 150 degrees C and 70% torque. This extrusion condition also gave the maximum total CLA content and minimum trans,trans-CLA formation.