Abstract: The production of corn dietary fiber tablets by a direct tabletting method was optimized by one-factor-at-a-time method and response surface methodology. The friability and disintegration time of dietary fiber tablets were individually modeled as a function of three process parameters including pressure, microcrystalline cellulose and sodium carboxymethyl starch based on a 3-variable, 3-level central composite experimental design. The models established were analyzed by response methodology to determine the optimal tabletting conditions as follows: corn dietary fiber amount 67.40%, microcrystalline cellulose amount 15.90%, carboxymethyl starch sodium amount 16.20%, magnesium stearate amount 0.50%, tablet diameter 20 mm, and pressure 20 MPa. The tablets obtained under these conditions revealed a friability of 0.739% and a disintegration time of 80.5 s, a complete shape, a smooth surface and a high palatability.

Key words: corn, dietary fiber tablets, direct tabletting