Physicochemical, thermal and structural properties of heat moisture treated common buckwheat starches

Enhancing Kodo millet starch-based hybrid gel for fat replacement in cookies: Dual modification (heat treatment-octenyl succinic anhydride) for improved properties

In this study, Kodo millet starch was modified using dry heat treatment and heat-moisture treatment, followed by esterification with 3 % octenyl succinic anhydride to enhance its functional and structural properties for hybrid gel formulation and application as a fat replacer in cookies. Heat treatment before esterification significantly increased the degree of substitution (0.0068 to 0.0109) and particle size (9.22 to 10.43 μm). Morphological analysis revealed irregularities and aggregation, while X-ray diffraction indicated reduced crystallinity. The modified starches exhibited non-Newtonian, shear-thinning behavior with stronger gel elasticity. The dual-modified starch in hybrid gel formulations exhibited effective stabilization over 30 days, with improved emulsification properties. When used in reduced-fat cookies, they maintained acceptable texture and appealing color at both 50 % and 100 % shortening replacement levels. The organoleptic analysis confirmed that cookies with 100 % shortening replacement had increased overall acceptability, indicating the potential of dual-modified starch hybrid gels as effective fat replacers.

Effects of extrusion temperature on structure and physicochemical properties of proso millet starch

Due to its thermal stability, and high viscosity, proso millet starch has limited practical applications. Extrusion can alter the functional properties of starch by pre-gelatinization, but the specific effects of extrusion temperature on starch behavior are not clear. In this study, proso millet starch was modified using extrusion at varying temperatures (70 °C, 90 °C, 110 °C), and its structure as well as physicochemical properties were evaluated. As the extrusion temperature increased, the starch granules were gelatinized, and the particle size increased significantly. The relative crystallinity of extruded starch decreased and the short-range order was enhanced notably, but the starch still exhibited an A-type structure. Starch chains degraded, migrated, and aggregated, showing an increase in the double helix content, but there was no difference in the single helix structure with temperature. With the increase of extrusion temperature, the amorphous layer of extruded starch thickened. Moreover, the peak viscosity, breakdown viscosity and setback viscosity initially increased and then decreased, the peak temperature and enthalpy change increased. The water absorption index, water solubility and swelling power significantly decreased with increasing temperatures. The freeze-thaw stability and transparency of extruded starch decreased, and showed a downward trend with prolonged time. The above results indicate that extrusion treatment effectively modifies the thermal stability and viscosity of proso millet starch, laying a foundation for applying it different industrial applications.

Nutritional, functional and rheological properties of bunya nut flour as a versatile gluten-free option

Bunya nuts are a starch-rich food that has been consumed by Indigenous communities for thousands of years. In addition to consuming fresh nuts, they were commonly processed into flour. However, their properties as a gluten-free flour are still unknown. In this study, we investigated the nutritional, functional and rheological properties of bunya flour prepared using different methods, as well as the isolated starch, and compared to wheat, rice and chestnut flours. Overall, raw bunya nut flour showed higher fibre (8.4%d.b.), lower protein (4.7%d.b.) and higher fat content (4.4%d.b.) when compared to rice and wheat flours. Its proximate composition was similar to chestnut flour. By altering the preparation method for bunya nut flour we showed that its functional properties can be altered, for example, raw and whole bunya flours showed good foam and emulsion capacity and stability, whereas roasted bunya flour had poor emulsion activity and stability but a high water absorption capacity. Raw and fermented flours showed high peak viscosity when heated in water. Bunya flours, except for the roasted one, showed a slow rate of starch hydrolysis and high resistant starch content compared to wheat and rice flours, especially considering the role of the inner coating when not removed from the nut. Bunya nut flour is a versatile option and can overcome issues found for gluten-free flours such as poor nutritional quality and sensory properties of the resultant products.

Factors and modification techniques enhancing starch gel structure and their applications in foods:A review

The formation of starch gel structure results from the gelatinization and retrogradation of starch in aqueous solutions, which plays a crucial role in determining the quality and functional properties of starchy foods. The gelation ability of many native starches is limited and their structure is weak, which restricts their application. Therefore, how to enhance the gel structure of starch is of great significance to food science and industry. In this paper, the mechanism of starch gel formation was reviewed, and the research progress of starch composition, retrogradation conditions, food composition and modification methods were reviewed. Meanwhile, the applications of enhanced starch gel structures in food quality, nutrition, packaging, and 3D printing were discussed. This review provides valuable references for researchers and producers to develop high-quality and nutritious starch-based foods and further expand the applications of starches.

Nutrition, health benefits, and processing of sand rice (Agriophyllum squarrosum): Comparisons with quinoa and buckwheat

The dual pressures of climate change and population growth have made the development of new grains a necessity. Agriophyllum squarrosum (sand rice) has high adaptability to harsh environments and does not occupy agricultural land. It is widely cultivated and consumed in Central Asia. Sand rice, together with quinoa and buckwheat, belongs to the same pseudocereals group with rich nutritional value and gluten-free properties; however, its nutritional composition and health benefits differ from those of quinoa and buckwheat. Sand rice seeds are a rich source of nutrients and bioactive compounds, including proteins, amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, and crude fiber, which are similar to those in buckwheat and quinoa; however, their starch content is relatively low. Sand rice seeds also possess phenolic acids and flavonoids, which exhibit antioxidant, anticancer, anti-diabetes, and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, sand rice extracts are considered suitable for treating some chronic diseases. Overall, sand rice is considered a good plant-based food that can be used to develop various functional foods and beverages or mixed with other grains in different recipes. However, advancements in the processing technology of sand rice-based foods are required to fully exploit the potential of sand rice in the food industry to improve human health. This review analyzes the current understanding of the nutritional content of sand rice by comparing it with that of quinoa and buckwheat. Furthermore, its potential medicinal activity and feasibility as a functional ingredient to improve food quality is discussed.

Preserving plum perfection: Buckwheat starch edible coating with xanthan gum and lemongrass essential oil

The research focused on the fabrication of composite coatings using buckwheat starch (BS) and xanthan gum (XG) with incorporation of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil (LEO) with varying concentration (0.75 %, 1.0 % and 1.25 % (w/v). BS was extracted from buckwheat groats (Fagopyrum esculentum) and its physico-chemical characteristics were determined. BS showed spherical and polygonal morphology and its XRD pattern was similar to starch extracted from other cereal sources. The amount of reducing sugar, starch and amylose content in extracted BS were 0.99 ± 0.33 %, 86.32 ± 0.22 % and 21.02 ± 1.89 % respectively, which indicates that BS is a suitable base material for the formation of edible coatings. XG was mixed with BS in different ratios (1:1, 2:1, 3:1 and 4:1) to optimize the best ratio of combination for composite coatings. The coating with a ratio of 2:1 was very smooth and was chosen for incorporation of LEO and the coatings physical, functional, mechanical, thermal and micro-structural characteristics were examined. The coating S5 with 1.25 % (w/v) concentration of LEO showed the best results with least moisture content (MC), minimum water vapor permeability (WVP) and maximum contact angle value. Moreover, the S5 formulation had the highest antioxidant (73.3 %) ability and maximum antimicrobial efficiency with inhibition zones of 22.09 ± 0.06 mm and 28.65 ± 0.14 mm against S. aureus and E. coli respectively. The coatings were then coated on plum fruit, and various parameters like weight loss, pH, shrinkage and TSS were calculated every 4th day during the 20 days of refrigeration period. The coated plums' ripening pace was delayed by the S5 formulation which improved moisture retention, maintained the plums' TSS value and overall pH. Therefore, composite coatings made up of BS, XG and 1.25 % (w/v) can be used as a cost-effective bio-active coating material for plum preservation under refrigeration conditions.

Influence of oxidation, acetylation and hydrothermal treatment on structure and functionality of common buckwheat starch

The set aim of present work was to investigate the effects of acetylation, oxidation and heat moisture treatment on physicochemical, pasting, gel texture, structural, thermal and morphological properties of common buckwheat starch. Swelling power and solubility of starches reduced after modification except acetylation. Color of buckwheat starch improved after oxidation and acetylation. Paste clarity increased while syneresis reduced following modification with the exception of oxidation. Pasting properties of buckwheat starch revealed increased peak viscosity and breakdown viscosity following modification treatments. Gel texture analysis depicted increased hardness and reduced springiness, chewiness and cohesiveness for modified starches of buckwheat. Diffractograms of starches showed variation in intensity of some bands. Heat moisture treatment increased agglomeration and oxidation caused slight depression on surface of some granules. Relative crystallinity reduced following oxidation and hydrothermal treatment of starch. The gelatinization temperatures were increased in hydrothermal treated starch samples while oxidation and acetylation reduced the gelatinization temperature. The findings of this work would favor the new applications of modified starch from common buckwheat.

A review of starch swelling behavior: Its mechanism, determination methods, influencing factors, and influence on food quality

Swelling behavior involves the process of starch granules absorbing enough water to swell and increase the viscosity of starch suspension under hydrothermal conditions, making it one of the important aspects in starch research. The changes that starch granules undergo during the swelling process are important factors in predicting their functional properties in food processing. However, the factors that affect starch swelling and how swelling, in turn, affects the texture and digestion characteristics of starch-based foods have not been systematically summarized. Compared to its long chains, the short chains of amylose easily interact with amylopectin chains to inhibit starch swelling. Generally, reducing the swelling of starch could increase the strength of the gel while limiting the accessibility of digestive enzymes to starch chains, resulting in a reduction in starch digestibility. This article aims to conduct a comprehensive review of the mechanism of starch swelling, its influencing factors, and the relationship between swelling and the pasting, gelling, and digestion characteristics of starch. The role of starch swelling in the edible quality and nutritional characteristics of starch-based foods is also discussed, and future research directions for starch swelling are proposed.

The Effect of Dual-Modification by Heat-Moisture Treatment and Octenylsuccinylation on Physicochemical and Pasting Properties of Arrowroot Starch

Starch is widely applied in various industrial sectors, including the food industry. Starch is used as a thickener, stabilizer, or emulsifier. However, arrowroot starch generally has weaknesses, such as unstable under heating and acidic conditions, which are generally applied to processing in the food industry. Modifications were applied to improve the characteristics of native arrowroot starch. In this study, arrowroot starch was modified by heat-moisture treatment (HMT), octenylsuccinylation (OSA), and dual modification between OSA and HMT in a different sequence--namely, HMT followed by OSA, and OSA followed by HMT. This study aims to determine the effect of different modification methods on the physicochemical and functional properties of native arrowroot starch. The result shows that both single HMT and dual modification caused damage to native starch granules, such as the formation of cracks and roughness. For single OSA treatment, especially, there is no significant change in granule morphology after modification. All modification treatments did not change the crystalline type of starch but reduced the RC of native starch. Both single HMT and dual modifications (HMT-OSA, OSA-HMT) increased pasting temperature and setback, but, conversely, decreased the peak and the breakdown viscosity of native starch, whereas single OSA had the opposite trend compared with the other modifications. HMT played a greater role in increasing the thermal stability and the retrogradation ability of arrowroot starch. Both single modifications (HMT and OSA) increased the hardness and gumminess of native starch, and the opposite was true for the dual modifications. HMT had a greater effect on color characteristics, where the lightness and whiteness index of native arrowroot starch decreased. Single OSA modification increased swelling volume higher than dual modification. Both single HMT and dual modifications increased water absorption capacity and decreased the oil absorption capacity of native arrowroot starch.

A Mini Review of Physicochemical Properties of Starch and Flour by Using Hydrothermal Treatment

Starch and flour from various plants have been widely used for sundry applications, especially in the food and chemical industries. However, native starch and flour have several weaknesses, especially in functional, pasting, and physicochemical properties. The quality of native starch and flour can be improved by a modification process. The type of modification that is safe, easy, and efficient is physical modification using hydrothermal treatment techniques, including heat moisture treatment (HMT) and annealing (ANN). This review discusses the hydrothermal modifications of starch and flour, especially from various tubers and cereals. The discussion is mainly on its effect on five parameters, namely functional properties, morphology, pasting properties, crystallinity, and thermal properties. Modification of HMT and ANN, in general, can improve the functional properties, causing cracking of the granule surface, stable viscosity to heat, increasing crystallinity, and increasing gelatinization temperature. However, some modifications of starch and flour by HMT and ANN had no effect on several parameters or even had the opposite effect. The summary of the various studies reviewed can be a reference for the development of hydrothermal-modified starch and flour applications for various industries.

Enhancing Resistant Starch Content of High Amylose Rice Starch through Heat-Moisture Treatment for Industrial Application

The objective of the present study is to enhance the resistant starch (RS) content of high amylose rice starch with heat-moisture treatment (HMT) for industrial application. The optimized HMT condition for achieving the highest RS content established using response surface methodology (RSM) was a temperature of 100 °C, moisture content of 24.2%, and a time of 11.5 h. Upon HMT, the RS content increased from 32.1% for native starch to 46.4% in HMT starch with optimized condition. HMT of the starches reduced the solubility and swelling power. The surface of HMT starch granules was more irregular than native starch. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) peak intensity at 2θ = 5° was greatly reduced by HMT, and the peaks at 22.7° and 24.2° were merged. HMT increased the gelatinization temperature and reduced the gelatinization enthalpy. HMT provides a method for the production of high-yield RS2 with high amylose rice starch in industrial application.

Production of buckwheat starch-myristic acid complexes and effect of reaction conditions on the physicochemical properties, X-ray pattern and FT-IR spectra

In this study, the effect of reaction parameters on complex index (CI%) value of complexes formed between buckwheat starch (BS) and myristic acid (MA) was investigated. The temperature (60-90 °C) and MA to BS ratio (0.1-0.8 mmoL/g) were determined as the most effective parameters and their effect on CI% was evaluated using response surface methodology. The MA to BS ratio, temperature, and interaction between them had an influence on CI%. The CI% of BS-MA complexes increased with increasing MA ratio until a certain level of MA. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used for correlation analysis between parameters. Swelling power and paste clarity of BS decreased with complex formation while syneresis increased. Peak and final viscosity values of the BS-MA complexes were significantly lower than those of BS. FT-IR revealed the complex formation led to change in starch structure. The XRD confirmed the BS-MA complex formation but the BS-MA produced using 0.1 mmoL/g at 60 °C was not detected by XRD due to having low crystallinity, and expectedly, the lowest relative crystallinity value was achieved with this sample among complex samples. All results showed that the buckwheat might be an alternative starch source for starch-lipid complex formation.

Progress in Starch-Based Materials for Food Packaging Applications

The food packaging sector generates large volumes of plastic waste due to the high demand for packaged products with a short shelf-life. Biopolymers such as starch-based materials are a promising alternative to non-renewable resins, offering a sustainable and environmentally friendly food packaging alternative for single-use products. This article provides a chronology of the development of starch-based materials for food packaging. Particular emphasis is placed on the challenges faced in processing these materials using conventional processing techniques for thermoplastics and other emerging techniques such as electrospinning and 3D printing. The improvement of the performance of starch-based materials by blending with other biopolymers, use of micro- and nano-sized reinforcements, and chemical modification of starch is discussed. Finally, an overview of recent developments of these materials in smart food packaging is given.

Recent advances in heat-moisture modified cereal starch: Structure, functionality and its applications in starchy food systems

Cereals, one of the starch sources, have a tremendous and steady production worldwide. Starchy foods constitute the major part of daily calorie intake for humans. As a simple and green modification approach, heat-moisture treatment (HMT) could change the granular surface characteristics and size, crystalline and helical structure, as well as molecular organization of cereal starch. The changing degree is contingent on HMT parameters and botanical origin. Based on the hierarchical structure, this paper reviews functionalities of heat-moisture modified cereal starch (HMCS) reported in latest years. The functionality of HMCS could be affected by co-existing non-starch ingredients through non-covalent/covalent interactions, depolymerization or simply attachment/encapsulation. Besides, it summarizes the modulation of HMCS in dough rheology and final food products' quality. Selecting proper HMT conditions is crucial for achieving nutritious products with desirable sensory and storage quality. This review gives a systematic understanding about HMCS for the better utilization in food industry.

Influence of Electron Beam Irradiation on the Moisture and Properties of Freshly Harvested and Sun-Dried Rice

Moisture content is an important factor that affects rice storage. Rice with high moisture (HM) content has superior taste but is difficult to store. In this study, low-dose electron beam irradiation (EBI) was used to study water distribution in newly harvested HM (15.03%) rice and dried rice (11.97%) via low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR). The gelatinization, texture and rheological properties of rice and the thermal and digestion properties of rice starch were determined. Results showed that low-dose EBI could change water distribution in rice mainly by affecting free water under low-moisture (LM) conditions and free water and bound water under HM conditions. HM rice showed smooth changes in gelatinization and rheological properties and softened textural properties. The swelling power and solubility index indicated that irradiation promoted the depolymerization of starch chains. Overall, low-dose EBI had little effect on the properties of rice. HM rice showed superior quality and taste, whereas LM rice exhibited superior nutritional quality. This work attempted to optimize the outcome of the EBI treatment of rice for storage purposes by analyzing its effects. It demonstrated that low-dose EBI was more effective and environmentally friendly than other techniques.