A process for isolation and purification of polysaccharide gel and fiber from dried fruit-hull of Durio zibethinus L. Two polysaccharide products are obtained. The process involves hot water extraction of crude polysaccharide gel from fruit-hulls, filtration and precipitation in acid-lower aliphatic alcohol and further purification by reprecipitation of concentrated aqueous crude polysaccharide gel, after demineralization using cation-exchange resin, in acid-lower aliphatic alcohol and washing in alcohol. Dried polysaccharide gel is derived as creamy to white product. Polysaccharide gel is used as dressing-patch, film-dressing, sustained-release dressing, gelling agent; used in food preparation such as jelly, medical-food products. Fiber residue after hot water extraction is treated to isolate polysaccharide fiber. The process comprises alkali hydrolysis, acid hydrolysis, decolorization and washing in dilute acid, sodium chloride and water to derive white polysaccharide fiber. Dried product is pulverized to derive water insoluble powder. Polysaccharide fiber is used as diluent, binder and food fiber.
