Structure, morphology and functionality of acetylated and oxidised barley starches

Highland barley starch (Qingke): Structures, properties, modifications, and applications

Highland barley (HB) is mainly composed of starch, which may account for up to 65% of the dry weight to the kernel. HB possesses unique physical and chemical properties and has good industrial application potential. It has also been identified as a minor grain crop with excellent nutritional and health functions. Highland barley starch (HBS) features a number of structural and functional properties that render it a useful material for numerous food and non-food applications. This review summarizes the current status of research on the extraction processes, chemical composition, molecular fine structures, granular morphology, physicochemical properties, digestibility, chemical and physical modifications, and potential uses of HBS. The findings provide a comprehensive reference for further research on HBS and its applications in various food and non-food industries.

Physicochemical impact of cellulose nanocrystal on oxidation of starch and starch based composite films

A cellulose nanocrystal based oxidation system is developed for oxidizing starch in the presence of NaClO, and provides an alternative and green method to improve the oxidizing degree of oxidized starch. The underlying mechanism for the oxidation was studied with confocal laser scanning microscopy. It was found that cellulose nanocrystal would penetrate into the starch microparticles and contribute to oxidation. The function of cellulose nanocrystal on the physicochemical properties of oxidized starch was investigated. With the incorporation of the oxidized starch into starch/polyvinyl alcohol/glyceryl composite films, the mechanical property and transparency of the films improved substantially. The highest oxidation level of starch was attained at 0.5 wt% cellulose nanocrystal dosage and the carboxylate content was 1.10%, the composite film showed the maximum transparency of 0.66 and highest contact angle of 102.0°. Meanwhile, the best film was obtained with oxidized starch containing 1.0 wt% cellulose nanocrystal. Compared to native starch and TEMPO-oxidated starch, the cellulose nanocrystal-based oxidized starch improved the hydrophobicity of film more substanially. In conclusion, cellulose nanocrystal acts as prooxidant and reforcing agent in this starch-based composite film, which makes them promising materials in the preparation of novel composite materials.

Pearl millet grain as an emerging source of starch: A review on its structure, physicochemical properties, functionalization, and industrial applications

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.) is a sustainable and underutilized starch source, constituting up to 70 % starch in its grain. Pearl millet could be used as a cheaper source of starch as compared to other cereals for developing functional foods. This review is mainly focused on isolation methods, and chemical composition of the pearl millet starch (PMS). Techno-functional characteristics such as; gelatinization, pasting properties, solubility, swelling power, and digestibility to infer wider application of the PMS critically highlighted in the review. Native starches have limited functionalitiesfor food applications due to the instability in developed pastes and gels. A number of modifications (physical, mechanical and enzymatic) have been developed to increase the functionality and to obtain desired characteristics of PMS thus improving its utilization in food applications. Further, the utilization of native as well as modified PMS is also discussed comprehensively. In addition, a number of recommendations to further improve its functionality and increase its application are also discussed.

Development of a Third Generation Snack of Rice Starch Enriched with Nopal Flour (Opuntia ficus indica)

This study aimed to obtain a third-generation snack from native rice starch (NS), rice starch modified by extrusion (MS), nopal flour (NF) and xanthan gum (XG). These raw materials were characterized by proximal analysis, pH, particle size distribution, water absorption index (WAI) and water solubility index (WSI), degree of substitution (DS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), rheology, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The analysis of the response variables in the nine formulations of the snack: expansion index (EI), apparent density (AD), hardness (H), luminosity (L*) and tendency to green-red (a*), was performed through a composite central design (CCD), the selected formulations were characterized by SEM. Results showed an increase in WAI, 4.69 ± 0.04, and WSI, 12.61 ± 0.10, for MS, higher than NS values due to chemical modification. According to the color analysis the NF obtained a value of 60.73 ± 0.008 in L* and −6.51 ± 0.004 in a* with green tendency. The DS value obtained was 0.09 ± 0.005, being within the FDA’s permissible range for food use. By FTIR analysis, the acetyl group was corroborated. Finally, employing microwave cooking, snacks made from NS with concentrations of NF (5%) and XG (0%) obtained the highest EI value, 4.47, as well the low Dap and D value (0.37 g/cm³, 2.25 N, respectively), corroborated by SEM analysis.

Effect of acetylated starch on the development of peanut skin-cassava starch foams

Cassava starch was modified by acetylation to obtain modified starches with a degree of substitution (DS) of 0.5 and 1.5. The acetylated cassava starches presented a reduction in temperature gelatinization and enthalpy, water solubility, and power swelling, in addition to a loss of crystallinity compared to native cassava starches. Acetylated cassava starch was used to the development of foams based on native cassava starch, 24% (w/w) of peanut skin, and 13% (w/w) of glycerol. It was used blends of native cassava starch and acetylated cassava starch with ratios of 100/0, 90/10, 80/20, 70/30, and 60/40. The foams containing acetylated cassava starch with DS = 0.5 exhibited a reduction in water absorption capacity (WAC) for water contact time of 30 min. Foams containing acetylated cassava starch with DS = 1.5 did not show a significant difference in WAC compared to foams made using only native cassava starch. The use of 30% (w/w) of acetylated cassava starch, independently of DS (0.5 or 1.5), resulted in faster degradation of foams than those without modified starches.

Influence of Acetylated Annealed Starch on the Release of β-Escin from the Anionic and Non-Ionic Hydrophilic Gels

Naturally sourced products introduced to human nutrition and rediscovered for therapy include polysaccharides from potatoes. The starch may obtain unique properties via acetylation with acetic anhydride at 13 cm³/100 g of starch as the basic dose of reagent used in industrial conditions. The hydrogel formulation was applied as a carrier for escin included in the dry extract of Aesculus hippocastanum. Six hydrogels were evaluated (methylcellulose, polyacrylic acid-Carbopol 980 NF and polyacrylate crosspolymer 11—Aristoflex Velvet) with various concentrations of the modified starch. The kinetic studies of in vitro β-escin release were carried out in purified water at 37 ± 0.5 °C using a paddle apparatus at 50 rpm and a time period of 7 h. The criterion for the most suitable model was based on a high correlation coefficient of evaluated release profiles. The addition of modified annealed acetylated potato starch resulted in prolongation of β-escin release.

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using oxidized amylose and combination with curcumin for enhanced antibacterial activity

Many kinds of multi-drug-resistant microorganisms have appeared. Moreover, monotherapy is increasingly no longer adequate for many complicated bacterial infections. Therefore, development of efficient combination antibacterial agent is becoming crucial. Herein, we present a hybrid antibacterial agent with enhanced antibacterial activity and high aqueous dissolubility based on silver nanoparticles and curcumin. The silver nanoparticles were firstly synthesized using oxidized amylose as an environmentally friendly reducing agent and stabilizer. Then, curcumin was added into the above mixture to get the hybrid antibacterial agent. The hybrid antibacterial agent presented high dissolubility in aqueous solution and enhanced antibacterial activity. In addition, the hybrid antibacterial agent presented good antioxidant activity and cell compatibility. Overall, the developed hybrid antibacterial agent has a potential to combat multiple bacteria-induced infections of wound surfaces.

Dual-frequency ultrasound for ultrasonic-assisted esterification

The optimization of wheat starch esterification (acetylation) with a high degree of substitution was performed through response surface methodology (RSM) via various concentrations of reagents (acetic anhydride), pHs, and temperatures under various ultrasonication frequencies (25, 40, and 25 + 40 kHz). According to RSM methodology, optimized samples were selected by achieving high degrees of substitution at various frequencies, temperatures, and pHs. Solubility, swelling, X-ray, RVA, DSC, freeze-thaw stability, texture, and SEM analysis of the optimized samples were performed at three frequencies. X-ray pattern exhibited a more significant reduction in the crystallinity percentage of esterified starch at frequency 25 + 40 kHz compared with 25 kHz, 40 kHz, and native starch. According to DSC analysis, To, Tp, Tc, and enthalpy of gelatinization (ΔH gel) were lower in AC at frequency 25 + 40 kHz compared with AC at frequency 25 and 40 kHz and N starches. According to morphology analysis, in acetylated starches at 25 and 40 kHz, the surfaces and small granules underwent more damage, whereas in 25 + 40 kHz, large granules were more affected than small granules. Upon acetylation, freeze-thaw stability and textural properties of the starch significantly increased and decreased, respectively. The peak and final viscosity of acetylated starch increased (25 + 40 kHz ˃ 25 kHz ˃ 40 kHz ˃ N starch).

Dual-frequency ultrasound for ultrasonic-assisted esterification

The optimization of wheat starch esterification (acetylation) with a high degree of substitution was performed through response surface methodology (RSM) via various concentrations of reagents (acetic anhydride), pHs, and temperatures under various ultrasonication frequencies (25, 40, and 25 + 40 kHz). According to RSM methodology, optimized samples were selected by achieving high degrees of substitution at various frequencies, temperatures, and pHs. Solubility, swelling, X-ray, RVA, DSC, freeze-thaw stability, texture, and SEM analysis of the optimized samples were performed at three frequencies. X-ray pattern exhibited a more significant reduction in the crystallinity percentage of esterified starch at frequency 25 + 40 kHz compared with 25 kHz, 40 kHz, and native starch. According to DSC analysis, To, Tp, Tc, and enthalpy of gelatinization (ΔH gel) were lower in AC at frequency 25 + 40 kHz compared with AC at frequency 25 and 40 kHz and N starches. According to morphology analysis, in acetylated starches at 25 and 40 kHz, the surfaces and small granules underwent more damage, whereas in 25 + 40 kHz, large granules were more affected than small granules. Upon acetylation, freeze-thaw stability and textural properties of the starch significantly increased and decreased, respectively. The peak and final viscosity of acetylated starch increased (25 + 40 kHz ˃ 25 kHz ˃ 40 kHz ˃ N starch).

Thermal, structural and textural properties of amaranth and buckwheat starches

Starches isolated from amaranth and buckwheat were analysed for thermal characteristics, crystallinity, gel textural properties and light transmittance. Buckwheat starch gels were harder with higher chewiness and springiness than amaranth starch gels. Starch from common buckwheat produced the hardest gel and amaranth starch from VL-44 cultivar produced the softest gel. Gelatinisation temperatures of amaranth and buckwheat starches differed significantly and tartary buckwheat starch showed the highest values for T_P and T_C. Buckwheat starches showed lower enthalpy change values than amaranth starches of both the cultivars. X-ray diffractometry confirmed 'A' type crystalline pattern for all tested starch samples and higher relative crystallinity was noticed in amaranth starches than buckwheat starches. Tartary buckwheat exhibited the lowest value of relative crystallinity and amaranth starch of Durga cultivars showed the highest value of relative crystallinity. FTIR spectrums showed band at similar wavenumbers (cm^-1) with varying intensities. A declining order of paste clarity during storage at refrigeration temperature was observed for all starches.

Effect of Tara Gum Addition on Steady and Dynamic Shear Rheological Properties of Rice Starch Isolated from the Korean Rice Variety 'Boramchan'

The present study was performed to investigate the influence of tara gum (TG) addition on the steady and dynamic shear rheological properties of rice starch (RS) isolated from the Korean rice variety 'Boramchan' flour. From X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectra of RS, it was found that RS was purely isolated. All RS+TG pastes (4.7:0.3, 4.5:0.5, and 4.3:0.7, w/w) showed shear-thinning fluid characteristics. Adding TG significantly increased the values of apparent viscosity and consistency index of RS. In the dynamic shear rheological analysis, the dynamic moduli and complex viscosity of RS+TG pastes were significantly greater than those of the RS paste, indicating that RS+TG pastes had significantly higher viscoelastic properties than the RS paste. Light microscopy images of RS+TG pastes showed that the addition of TG can inhibit the RS granule from swelling.

Impact of acid hydrolysis and esterification process in rice and potato starch properties

The modification of the starches aims to change the properties of these polymers making them more suitable for specific applications. Therefore, the objective of this study was to modify potato and rice starch using the hydrolysis process with hydrochloric acid (HCl) and the esterification process with citric acid (CA), both acids at different concentrations and reaction time. To verify if the modifications were effective, the physicochemical changes (solubility, swelling power, gel strength and amylose content), thermal, morphological and pasting properties were evaluated. The applied modifications reduced the swelling power, solubility and amylose content of starches. The strength of the gel was reduced with the modifications for the rice starch and increased for the potato starch. Regarding the pasting properties, modified starch RS1 (modified rice starch using 0.1 M HCl) and PS3 (modified potato starch using 2% CA) showed a tendency to reduce retrogradation. Structurally, X-ray evaluation indicated reduced crystallinity. Thermal analyses showed that gelatinization temperatures were increased for all treatments, while gelatinization enthalpies were reduced indicating greater thermal stability of the modified starches. Therefore, modified starches have distinct characteristics that can be used for specific processes that requiring starches with different properties from the conventional ones.