Formation, Characterization and Lab-Grade Cost Analysis of Stevia-Mushroom Hybrid Tablets Using Stevia Rebaudiana Bertuni and Agaricus Bisporus to Mask Bitter Aftertaste of Stevia

Abstract

The demand for natural sweeteners has been on the rise due to the growing awareness of the adverse effects of artificial sweeteners. Stevia rebaudiana bertuni, a plant species known for its sweetening properties, has gained significant popularity as a natural alternative to traditional sweeteners. In this study, we explore a novel approach to enhance the sweetness and nutritional value of stevia through myceliation using Agaricus bisporus, commonly known as the white button mushroom. The aim of this research is to formulate Stevia-Mushroom tablets and evaluate their cost-effectiveness compared to conventional stevia tablets while focusing on the process involving the inoculation of Stevia rebaudiana bertuni leaves extract with Agaricus bisporus extracts to stimulate the presence of fungal enzymes and enhance the steviol glycoside content while minimizing the bitter aftertaste of stevia, resulting in a more potent and nutritionally enriched sweetener that is more desirable. The study encompasses several stages, including the extraction of steviol glycosides from stevia and proteins from Agaricus bisporus. Once both extracts are mixed, it is then processed into tablet form, incorporating appropriate binder and optimizing the tablet recipe and ratio to ensure a stable tablet with intact integrity. The formulated tablets are then subjected to physicochemical characterization, including measurements of hardness, friability, disintegration time, and dissolution rate, GCMS and FTIR to assess their suitability for commercial production and consumption. The cost analysis is conducted to compare the production expenses of Stevia-Mushroom tablets with conventional stevia sweeteners. This evaluation includes factors such as raw material costs, labor, energy consumption, equipment, and packaging. The objective is to determine the economic viability and competitiveness of Stevia-Mushroom tablets in the market. xiii The results of this study provide insights into the feasibility of utilizing fungal proteins as a promising technique for enhancing the quality and value of stevia sweeteners. Additionally, the cost analysis provides valuable information for decision-making regarding large-scale production and market adoption of Stevia-Mushroom tablets as a natural and sustainable alternative to conventional sweeteners.