Understanding Starch Structure: Recent Progress

Effects of Extrusion on Starch Molecular Degradation, Order-Disorder Structural Transition and Digestibility-A Review

Extrusion is a thermomechanical technology that has been widely used in the production of various starch-based foods and can transform raw materials into edible products with unique nutritional characteristics. Starch digestibility is a crucial nutritional factor that can largely determine the human postprandial glycemic response, and frequent consumption of foods with rapid starch digestibility is related to the occurrence of type 2 diabetes. The extrusion process involves starch degradation and order-disorder structural transition, which could result in large variance in starch digestibility in these foods depending on the raw material properties and processing conditions. It provides opportunities to modify starch digestibility by selecting a desirable combination of raw food materials and extrusion settings. This review firstly introduces the application of extrusion techniques in starch-based food production, while, more importantly, it discusses the effects of extrusion on the alteration of starch structures and consequentially starch digestibility in various foods. This review contains important information to generate a new generation of foods with slow starch digestibility by the extrusion technique.

Development of a Novel Rice-Based Snack Enriched with Chicory Root: Physicochemical and Sensory Properties

A novel rice-based snack enriched with chicory root flour (CRF) was developed by twin-screw extrusion. Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) is one of the promising medicinal plants for the development of innovative food and may be considered a functional food ingredient. Central composite design (CCD) was employed to generate snack formulations by varying feed moisture (M, 16.3–22.5%), screw speed (SS, 500–900 rpm) and CRF content (20–40%). The optimization according to artificial neural network modeling and a genetic algorithm was applied to define optimal process conditions (17.6% moisture, 820 rpm and 24.1% of CRF) for obtaining the product with the highest expansion (3.34), crispiness (3.22 × 10−3), volume (2040 m3), degree of gelatinization (69.70%) and good color properties. Bulk density (110.33 g/L), density (250 kg/m3), and hardness (98.74 N) resulted in low values for the optimal sample. The descriptive sensory analysis evaluated low hardness and bitterness, with high crispiness for the optimal extrudate. This study points to the possibility of a novel chicory enriched extrudate production with desirable physicochemical and sensory properties.

LIKE EARLY STARVATION 1 alters the glucan structures at the starch granule surface and thereby influences the action of both starch-synthesizing and starch-degrading enzymes

For starch metabolism to take place correctly, various enzymes and proteins acting on the starch granule surface are crucial. Recently, two non-catalytic starch-binding proteins, pivotal for normal starch turnover in Arabidopsis leaves, namely, EARLY STARVATION 1 (ESV1) and its homolog LIKE EARLY STARVATION 1 (LESV), have been identified. Both share nearly 38% sequence homology. As ESV1 has been found to influence glucan phosphorylation via two starch-related dikinases, α-glucan, water dikinase (GWD) and phosphoglucan, water dikinase (PWD), through modulating the surface glucan structures of the starch granules and thus affecting starch degradation, we assess the impact of its homolog LESV on starch metabolism. Thus, the 65-kDa recombinant protein LESV and the 50-kDa ESV1 were analyzed regarding their influence on the action of GWD and PWD on the surface of the starch granules. We included starches from various sources and additionally assessed the effect of these non-enzymatic proteins on other starch-related enzymes, such as starch synthases (SSI and SSIII), starch phosphorylases (PHS1), isoamylase and β-amylase. The data obtained indicate that starch phosphorylation, hydrolyses and synthesis were affected by LESV and ESV1. Furthermore, incubation with LESV and ESV1 together exerted an additive effect on starch phosphorylation. In addition, a stable alteration of the glucan structures at the starch granule surface following treatment with LESV and ESV1 was observed. Here, we discuss all the observed changes that point to modifications in the glucan structures at the surface of the native starch granules and present a model to explain the existing processes.

Physiochemical and thermal characterisation of faba bean starch

The structure and physicochemical properties of starch isolated from the cotyledon and hull of faba beans and from wheat (as reference) were examined using 16 different methods. The amylose content in faba bean cotyledon and hull starch was 32% and 36%, respectively, and that in wheat starch was 21%. The faba bean cotyledon and hull starch were structurally alike both displaying C-polymorphic pattern, a similar degree of branching and similar branch chain length distributions. Wheat starch had a significantly greater prevalence of short amylopectin chains (DP < 12) and a higher degree of branching. Granules in both faba bean starches exhibited surface cracks and were more homogenous in size than the smoother wheat starch granules. Gelatinisation temperature was higher for the faba bean starches, likely as an effect of high amylose content and longer starch chains delaying granular swelling. Cotyledon starch produced pastes with the highest viscosities in all rheological measurements, probably owing to larger granules. Higher prevalence of lipids and resistant starch reduced the viscosity values for hull starch. For all starches, viscosity increased at faster heating rates. During the rheological analyses, the samples were exposed to different instruments, heating rates and temperatures ranges, differing from standard rheological procedures, which could help predict how different processing techniques effect the final starch textures.

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Anti-cancer Potential of Polysaccharide Extracted From Polygonatum sibiricum on HepG2 Cells via Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis

Polygonatum sibiricum is one of the most widely used traditional Chinese medicine in China. Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide (PSP) is the main functional component of Polygonatum sibiricum. In this study, a water-soluble polysaccharide (PSP-1) was first isolated from Polygonatum sibiricum with a molecular weight of 38.65 kDa. Structural analysis was performed via methylation and FT-IR spectroscopy analyses, which in combination with NMR spectroscopy, revealed that PSP-1 has a → 4-α-D-Glcp-1 → backbone with the substitution at O-6 with the β-D-Glcp-1 → residues. Furthermore, PSP-1 exhibited potent and concentration-dependent anticancer effects, inducing HepG2 cell apoptosis and arresting the cell cycle at the G1 phase. Moreover, PSP-1 also decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential, damaged the nucleus of HepG2 cells, and increased the activity of caspase-9 and−3 in the intrinsic apoptotic pathways to induce HepG2 cell apoptosis. To conclude, PSP-1 might be a good candidate for the treatment of liver cancer, and this work provides important information for understanding the relationship between structure and antitumor activity of PSP-1, which is relevant for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in clinic.

Loss of starch synthase IIIa changes starch molecular structure and granule morphology in grains of hexaploid bread wheat

Starch synthase III plays a key role in starch biosynthesis and is highly expressed in developing wheat grains. To understand the contribution of SSIII to starch and grain properties, we developed wheat ssIIIa mutants in the elite cultivar Cadenza using in silico TILLING in a mutagenized population. SSIIIa protein was undetectable by immunoblot analysis in triple ssIIIa mutants carrying mutations in each homoeologous copy of ssIIIa (A, B and D). Loss of SSIIIa in triple mutants led to significant changes in starch phenotype including smaller A-type granules and altered granule morphology. Starch chain-length distributions of double and triple mutants indicated greater levels of amylose than sibling controls (33.8% of starch in triple mutants, and 29.3% in double mutants vs. 25.5% in sibling controls) and fewer long amylopectin chains. Wholemeal flour of triple mutants had more resistant starch (6.0% vs. 2.9% in sibling controls) and greater levels of non-starch polysaccharides; the grains appeared shrunken and weighed ~ 11% less than the sibling control which was partially explained by loss in starch content. Interestingly, our study revealed gene dosage effects which could be useful for fine-tuning starch properties in wheat breeding applications while minimizing impact on grain weight and quality.

Edible Polymers and Secondary Bioactive Compounds for Food Packaging Applications: Antimicrobial, Mechanical, and Gas Barrier Properties

Edible polymers such as polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids are biodegradable and biocompatible materials applied as a thin layer to the surface of food or inside the package. They enhance food quality by prolonging its shelf-life and avoiding the deterioration phenomena caused by oxidation, humidity, and microbial activity. In order to improve the biopolymer performance, antimicrobial agents and plasticizers are also included in the formulation of the main compounds utilized for edible coating packages. Secondary natural compounds (SC) are molecules not essential for growth produced by some plants, fungi, and microorganisms. SC derived from plants and fungi have attracted much attention in the food packaging industry because of their natural antimicrobial and antioxidant activities and their effect on the biofilm's mechanical properties. The antimicrobial and antioxidant activities inhibit pathogenic microorganism growth and protect food from oxidation. Furthermore, based on the biopolymer and SC used in the formulation, their specific mass ratio, the peculiar physical interaction occurring between their functional groups, and the experimental procedure adopted for edible coating preparation, the final properties as mechanical resistance and gas barrier properties can be opportunely modulated. This review summarizes the investigations on the antimicrobial, mechanical, and barrier properties of the secondary natural compounds employed in edible biopolymer-based systems used for food packaging materials.

Rheology, stability, antioxidant properties, and curcumin release of oil-in-water Pickering emulsions stabilized by rice starch nanoparticles

Modification of rice starch nanoparticles (SNP) as an emulsifier in Pickering emulsions is reported in this work. The SNP was prepared by HCl hydrolysis with different resident times and subsequently modified via crosslinking by citric acid using various crosslinking times to improve the hydrophobicity of SNP. The modified SNP was used to prepare sunflower oil-in-water Pickering emulsions loaded with curcumin. The optimal hydrolysis conditions (2.2 M HCl, 6 days) produced SNP with a 21.87 ± 0.69 % yield and 45.56 ± 0.00 % crystallinity. The citric acid-modified SNP with a 6-h crosslinking period (SNP-M-6 h) had a water contact angle of 87.2°. The suitable Pickering emulsion containing 30 wt% curcumin-loaded sunflower oil was stabilized by 3.0 wt% SNP-M-6 h. This Pickering emulsion had shear thinning properties with a pseudoplastic fluid behavior and was characterized by a droplet size of 47.16 ± 4.22 μm with a high degree of stability over five weeks of storage. Furthermore, the curcumin release from the emulsion depended on the pH, and curcumin could maintain its free radical scavenging quality. A very beneficial property of the Pickering emulsion is that it can slowly release curcumin at low pH, but more rapid release at higher pH, making it a potentially excellent candidate for drug delivery through oral intake.

Valorization of Starch to Biobased Materials: A Review

Many concerns are being expressed about the biodegradability, biocompatibility, and long-term viability of polymer-based substances. This prompted the quest for an alternative source of material that could be utilized for various purposes. Starch is widely used as a thickener, emulsifier, and binder in many food and non-food sectors, but research focuses on increasing its application beyond these areas. Due to its biodegradability, low cost, renewability, and abundance, starch is considered a "green path" raw material for generating porous substances such as aerogels, biofoams, and bioplastics, which have sparked an academic interest. Existing research has focused on strategies for developing biomaterials from organic polymers (e.g., cellulose), but there has been little research on its polysaccharide counterpart (starch). This review paper highlighted the structure of starch, the context of amylose and amylopectin, and the extraction and modification of starch with their processes and limitations. Moreover, this paper describes nanofillers, intelligent pH-sensitive films, biofoams, aerogels of various types, bioplastics, and their precursors, including drying and manufacturing. The perspectives reveal the great potential of starch-based biomaterials in food, pharmaceuticals, biomedicine, and non-food applications.

A review of starch, a unique biopolymer - Structure, metabolism and in planta modifications

Starch is a complex carbohydrate polymer produced by plants and especially by crops in huge amounts. It consists of amylose and amylopectin, which have α-1,4- and α-1,6-linked glucose units. Despite this simple chemistry, the entire starch metabolism is complex, containing various (iso)enzymes/proteins. However, whose interplay is still not yet fully understood. Starch is essential for humans and animals as a source of nutrition and energy. Nowadays, starch is also commonly used in non-food industrial sectors for a variety of purposes. However, native starches do not always satisfy the needs of a wide range of (industrial) applications. This review summarizes the structural properties of starch, analytical methods for starch characterization, and in planta starch modifications.

How Does Starch Structure Impact Amylolysis? Review of Current Strategies for Starch Digestibility Study

In vitro digestibility of starch is a common analysis in human nutrition research, and generally consists of performing the hydrolysis of starch by α-amylase in specific conditions. Similar in vitro assays are also used in other research fields, where different methods can be used. Overall, the in vitro hydrolysis of native starch is a bridge between all of these methods. In this literature review, we examine the use of amylolysis assays in recent publications investigating the complex starch structure-amylolysis relation. This review is divided in two parts: (1) a brief review of the factors influencing the hydrolysis of starch and (2) a systematic review of the experimental designs and methods used in publications for the period 2016–2020. The latter reports on starch materials, factors investigated, characterization of the starch hydrolysis kinetics and data analysis techniques. This review shows that the dominant research strategy favors the comparison between a few starch samples most frequently described through crystallinity, granule type, amylose and chain length distribution with marked characteristics. This strategy aims at circumventing the multifactorial aspect of the starch digestion mechanism by focusing on specific features. An alternative strategy relies on computational approaches such as multivariate statistical analysis and machine learning techniques to decipher the role of each factor on amylolysis. While promising to address complexity, the limited use of a computational approach can be explained by the small size of the experimental datasets in most publications. This review shows that key steps towards the production of larger datasets are already available, in particular the generalization of rapid hydrolysis assays and the development of quantification approaches for most analytical results.

Impact of Amylose-Amylopectin Ratio of Starches on the Mechanical Strength and Stability of Acetylsalicylic Acid Tablets

The two main components of starch - amylose and amylopectin, are responsible for its interaction with moisture. This study investigated how moisture sorption properties of the starches with different amylose-amylopectin ratio impacted tablet properties including drug stability. The starch samples were equilibrated to 33, 53, and 75% relative humidity (RH) and then assessed for tabletability, compactibility, and yield pressure. Effect of humidity on viscoelastic recovery was also evaluated. Tabletability and compactibility of high-amylose starch were better than that of high-amylopectin starch at 33 and 53% RH. However, at 75% RH, the reverse was observed. In terms of yield pressure, high-amylose starch had lower yield pressure than high-amylopectin starch. High-amylose starch tablets also exhibited lower extent of viscoelastic recovery than high-amylopectin starch tablets. The variations in the tableting properties were found to be related to relative locality of the sorbed moisture. Degradation of acetylsalicylic acid in high-amylose starch tablets at 75% RH, 40°C was less than the tablets with high-amylopectin starch. This observation could be attributed to the greater amount of water molecules binding sites in high-amylose starch. Furthermore, most of the sorbed moisture of high-amylose starch was internally absorbed moisture, therefore limiting the availability of diffusible sorbed moisture for degradation reaction. Findings from this study could provide better insights on the influence of amylose-amylopectin ratio on tableting properties and stability of moisture-sensitive drugs. This is of particular importance as starch is a common excipient in solid dosage forms.

Preparation of Natural Food-Grade Core-Shell Starch/Zein Microparticles by Antisolvent Exchange and Transglutaminase Crosslinking for Reduced Digestion of Starch

The purpose of this study was to slow down the digestibility of starch granules by encapsulating it in zein shells. Drop of the preformed swollen corn starch (CS) granule suspension into thermal-treated zein ethanolic solution enables antisolvent precipitation of thermal-treated zein on the surface of the preformed swollen CS granules, leading to the formation of core-shell starch/zein microparticles. Confocal laser scanning microscopy images showed that the preformed swollen CS granules were coated by thermal-treated zein shells with a thickness of 0.48–0.95 μm. The volume average particle diameter of core-shell starch/zein microparticles was 14.70 μm and reached 18.59–30.98 μm after crosslinking by transglutaminase. The results of X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrated that an interaction occurred between the preformed swollen CS granules and the thermal-treated zein. The results for thermodynamic characteristics, pasting properties, and swelling power indicated that the compact network structure of core-shell starch/zein microparticles crosslinked by transglutaminase could improve starch granule thermal stability and resistance to shearing forces. Compared to native CS, the peak gelatinization temperatures of core-shell starch/zein microparticles increased significantly (p < 0.05), with a maximum value of 76.64°C. The breakdown values and the swelling power at 95°C of core-shell starch/zein microparticles significantly (p < 0.05) decreased by 52.83–85.66% and 0.11–0.28%, respectively. The in vitro digestibility test showed that the contents of slowly digestible starch and resistant starch in the core-shell starch/zein microparticles increased to ∼42.66 and ∼34.75%, respectively, compared to those of native CS (9.56 and 2.48%, respectively). Our research supports the application of food-grade core-shell starch/zein microparticles to formulate low-digestibility food products.

Faba Bean: An Untapped Source of Quality Plant Proteins and Bioactives

Faba beans are emerging as sustainable quality plant protein sources, with the potential to help meet the growing global demand for more nutritious and healthy foods. The faba bean, in addition to its high protein content and well-balanced amino acid profile, contains bioactive constituents with health-enhancing properties, including bioactive peptides, phenolic compounds, GABA, and L-DOPA. Faba bean peptides released after gastrointestinal digestion have shown antioxidant, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, cholesterol-lowering, and anti-inflammatory effects, indicating a strong potential for this legume crop to be used as a functional food to help face the increasing incidences of non-communicable diseases. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the current body of knowledge on the nutritional and biofunctional qualities of faba beans, with a particular focus on protein-derived bioactive peptides and how they are affected by food processing. It further covers the adverse health effects of faba beans associated with the presence of anti-nutrients and potential allergens, and it outlines research gaps and needs.

High-amylose starch: Structure, functionality and applications

Starch with a high amylose (AM) content (high AM starch, HAS) has attracted increasing research attention due to its industrial application potential, such as functional foods and biodegradable packaging. In the past two decades, HAS structure, functionality, and applications have been the research hotspots. However, a review that comprehensively summarizes these areas is lacking, making it difficult for interested readers to keep track of past and recent advances. In this review, we highlight studies that benefited from rapidly developing techniques, and systematically review the structure, functionality, and applications of HAS. We particularly emphasize the relationships between HAS molecular structure and physicochemical properties.

Fermentation Characteristics of Rye and Sorghum Depending on Water:Feed Ratio

This study was conducted to determine the fermentation characteristics of rye or sorghum mixed with different ratios of water (25%, 37.5%, 50%, 62.5%, and 75% in dry matter (DM)), incubated up to 48 h. The pH of the fermented rye at a DM content of 25% after 24 h had the lowest values (3.57) compared to that at a DM content of 75% (6.42). In fermented sorghum, pH values were lower than 4 already after incubation at 25% DM for 12 h (3.93) in comparison to that at DM content 75% (6.51). The L-lactic acid concentration in the fermented rye with 25% DM content after 24 h was significantly the highest (18.7 g/kg DM), as was that of sorghum with 25% DM content after 24 h (22.2 g/kg DM). Moreover, the acetic acid level in the fermented rye with 25% DM content after 24 h was significantly the highest (3.02 g/kg DM) compared to the other DM contents of fermented rye. Also, in fermented sorghum (25% DM), the acetic acid content was significantly the greatest (1.49 g/kg DM) in comparison to the other DM contents of fermented sorghum. Overall, fermented rye and sorghum containing 25 or 37.5% DM for 24 h and 12 h for rye and sorghum, respectively are sufficient for fermentation to be optimized based on the values of pH and lactic acid content, except for acetic acid content, which may negatively affect the palatability in animals.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Optimization Studies of Starch/Chicken Gelatin Composites for Food-Packaging Applications

The indiscriminate use of plastic in food packaging contributes significantly to environmental pollution, promoting the search for more eco-friendly alternatives for the food industry. This work studied five formulations (T1–T5) of biodegradable cassava starch/gelatin films. The results showed the presence of the starch/gelatin functional groups by FT-IR spectroscopy. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed a thermal reinforcement after increasing the amount of gelatin in the formulations, which increased the crystallization temperature (Tc) from 190 °C for the starch-only film (T1) to 206 °C for the film with 50/50 starch/gelatin (T3). It also exhibited a homogeneous surface morphology, as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). However, an excess of gelatin showed low compatibility with starch in the 25/75 starch/gelatin film (T4), evidenced by the low Tc definition and very rough and fractured surface morphology. Increasing gelatin ratio also significantly increased the strain (from 2.9 ± 0.5% for T1 to 285.1 ± 10.0% for T5) while decreasing the tensile strength (from 14.6 ± 0.5 MPa for T1 to 1.5 ± 0.3 MPa for T5). Water vapor permeability (WVP) increased, and water solubility (WS) also decreased with gelatin mass rising in the composites. On the other hand, opacity did not vary significantly due to the films’ cassava starch and gelatin ratio. Finally, optimizing the mechanical and water barrier properties resulted in a mass ratio of 53/47 cassava starch/gelatin as the most appropriate for their application in food packaging, indicating their usefulness in the food-packaging industry.

A Review of Biomass Briquette Binders and Quality Parameters

The adverse effect of the use of fossil fuels on the environment and public health has given rise to a sustained renewable energy research and development. An important component of global renewable energy mix is the use of loose biomass, including agricultural and forestry residues, to produce solid fuels in the form of briquettes. Briquettes play a significant role in bioenergy mix in developing and developed countries. The production of biomass briquettes often entails the collection, transportation, storage, processing, and compaction of loose biomass that meet specific quality parameters. The densification process often involves the addition of binders to improve the cohesive strength of the briquette material. This paper surveys recent literature from 2012 to 2021 to establish the current state of research on the use of binders in briquette production; and reviews current parameters used in assessing the quality of biomass briquettes with focus on mechanical and handling properties. While a number of quality parameters were identified, their assessment methodologies varied widely in the literature, thus necessitating standardization for comparability purposes. The review also includes factors affecting the wide production and adoption of biomass briquettes in most developing economies and proposes ways of overcoming the bottlenecks.

High Amylose-Based Bio Composites: Structures, Functions and Applications

As biodegradable and eco-friendly bio-resources, polysaccharides from a wide range of sources show steadily increasing interest. The increasing fossil-based production of materials are heavily associated with environmental and climate concerns, these biopolymers are addressing such concerns in important areas such as food and biomedical applications. Among polysaccharides, high amylose starch (HAS) has made major progress to marketable products due to its unique properties and enhanced nutritional values in food applications. While high amylose-maize, wheat, barley and potato are commercially available, HAS variants of other crops have been developed recently and is expected to be commercially available in the near future. This review edifies various forms and processing techniques used to produce HAS-based polymers and composites addressing their favorable properties as compared to normal starch. Low toxic and high compatibility natural plasticizers are of great concern in the processing of HAS. Further emphasis, is also given to some essential film properties such as mechanical and barrier properties for HAS-based materials. The functionality of HAS-based functionality can be improved by using different fillers as well as by modulating the inherent structures of HAS. We also identify specific opportunities for HAS-based food and biomedical fabrications aiming to produce cheaper, better, and more eco-friendly materials. We acknowledge that a multidisciplinary approach is required to achieve further improvement of HAS-based products providing entirely new types of sustainable materials.

The relationship between linear chain length distributions of amylopectin and the functional properties of the debranched starch-based films

The relationship between linear chain length distributions and the functional properties of the starch-based films after pullulanase debranching treatment of corn (CS), rice (RS) and wheat (WS) were investigated. The results indicated that the film thickness was negatively correlated with A chains content (r = -0.939) and apparent amylose content (r = -0.926), and was positively correlated with B3 chains content (r = 0.847). The tensile strength of the debranched starch-based films were positively correlated with apparent amylose content (r = 0.813), and the elongation at break were inversely proportional to B3 chains content (r = -0.817). The hydrophobicity of the starch-based films was positively and negatively correlated with the proportions of linear chains with DP 6-12 (r = 0.892) and DP 25-36 (r = -0.863), respectively. On the contrary, no significant correlation was noticed between chain length distribution of amylopectin and transparency and thermal stability.

On the cluster structure of amylopectin

Two opposing models for the amylopectin structure are historically and comprehensively reviewed, which leads us to a better understanding of the specific fine structure of amylopectin. Amylopectin is a highly branched glucan which accounts for approximately 65-85 of starch in most plant tissues. However, its fine structure is still not fully understood due to the limitations of current methodologies. Since the 1940 s, many scientists have attempted to elucidate the distinct structure of amylopectin. One of the most accepted concepts is that amylopectin has a structural element known as "cluster", in which neighboring side chains with a degree of polymerization of ≥ 10 in the region of their non-branched segments form double helices. The double helical structures are arranged in inter- and intra-clusters and are the origin of the distinct physicochemical and crystalline properties of starch granules. Several models of the cluster structure have been proposed by starch scientists worldwide during the progress of analytical methods, whereas no direct evidence so far has been provided. Recently, Bertoft and colleagues proposed a new model designated as "the building block and backbone (BB) model". The BB model sharply contrasts with the cluster model in that the structural element for the BB model is the building block, and that long chains are separately synthesized and positioned from short chains constituting the building block. In the present paper, we conduct the historical review of the cluster concept detailing how and when the concept was established based on experimental results by many scientists. Then, differences between the two opposing concepts are explained and both models are critically discussed, particularly from the point of view of the biochemical regulation of amylopectin biosynthesis.

Double zero tillage and foliar phosphorus fertilization coupled with microbial inoculants enhance maize productivity and quality in a maize-wheat rotation

Maize is an important industrial crop where yield and quality enhancement both assume greater importance. Clean production technologies like conservation agriculture and integrated nutrient management hold the key to enhance productivity and quality besides improving soil health and environment. Hence, maize productivity and quality were assessed under a maize-wheat cropping system (MWCS) using four crop-establishment and tillage management practices [FBCT-FBCT (Flat bed-conventional tillage both in maize and wheat); RBCT-RBZT (Raised bed-CT in maize and raised bed-zero tillage in wheat); FBZT-FBZT (FBZT both in maize and wheat); PRBZT-PRBZT (Permanent raised bed-ZT both in maize and wheat], and five P-fertilization practices [P100 (100% soil applied-P); P50 + 2FSP (50% soil applied-P + 2 foliar-sprays of P through 2% DAP both in maize and wheat); P50 + PSB + AM-fungi; P50 + PSB + AMF + 2FSP; and P0 (100% NK with no-P)] in split-plot design replicated-thrice. Double zero-tilled PRBZT-PRBZT system significantly enhanced the maize grain, starch, protein and oil yield by 13.1-19% over conventional FBCT-FBCT. P50 + PSB + AMF + 2FSP, integrating soil applied-P, microbial-inoculants and foliar-P, had significantly higher grain, starch, protein and oil yield by 12.5-17.2% over P100 besides saving 34.7% fertilizer-P both in maize and on cropping-system basis. P50 + PSB + AMF + 2FSP again had significantly higher starch, lysine and tryptophan content by 4.6-10.4% over P100 due to sustained and synchronized P-bioavailability. Higher amylose content (24.1%) was observed in grains under P50 + PSB + AMF + 2FSP, a beneficial trait due to its lower glycemic-index highly required for diabetic patients, where current COVID-19 pandemic further necessitated the use of such dietary ingredients. Double zero-tilled PRBZT-PRBZT reported greater MUFA (oleic acid, 37.1%), MUFA: PUFA ratio and P/S index with 6.9% higher P/S index in corn-oil (an oil quality parameter highly required for heart-health) over RBCT-RBCT. MUFA, MUFA: PUFA ratio and P/S index were also higher under P50 + PSB + AMF + 2FSP; avowing the obvious role of foliar-P and microbial-inoculants in influencing maize fatty acid composition. Overall, double zero-tilled PRBZT-PRBZT with crop residue retention at 6 t/ha per year along with P50 + PSB + AMF + 2FSP while saving 34.7% fertilizer-P in MWCS, may prove beneficial in enhancing maize productivity and quality so as to reinforce the food and nutritional security besides boosting food, corn-oil and starch industry in south-Asia and collateral arid agro-ecologies across the globe.

Molecular insight into the interactions between starch and cuminaldehyde using relaxation and 2D solid-state NMR spectroscopy

The interaction between cuminaldehyde and starch mainly governed the effect of further handling on food applications of cuminaldehyde. However, little information is available about the interactions of these components. We utilized relaxation and heteronuclear correlation (HETCOR) solid-state NMR spectroscopy to investigate the interaction between cuminaldehyde and porous starch at molecular level. We found that the interactions occurred mainly through hydrogen bonds. Cuminaldehyde molecules were restricted by starch, which resulted in the limitation of their movements and the longer ¹H T₁ relaxation time. Furthermore, the well resolved correlated peaks in 2D ¹H-¹³C HETCOR spectrum confirmed the formation of hydrogen bonds. The oxygen atoms at hydroxyl-2,3 of starch were the binding sites, which combined with hydrogens of cuminaldehyde. This present work not only afford a new approach to obtain a molecular understanding of interactions, but also expanded the application of solid-state NMR to investigation of the interaction on functional components.

Starch structure and nutritional functionality - Past revelations and future prospects

Starch exists naturally as insoluble semi-crystalline granules assembled by amylose and amylopectin. Acknowledging the pioneers, we have reviewed the major accomplishments in the area of starch structure from the early 18th century and further established the relation of starch structure to nutritional functionality. Although a huge array of work is reported in the area, the review identified that some features of starch are still not fully understood and needs further elucidation. With the rise of diet-related diseases, it has never been more important to understand starch structure and use that knowledge to improve the nutritional value of the world's principal energy source.

Nonconventional Hydrocolloids’ Technological and Functional Potential for Food Applications

This review aims to study the alternatives to conventional industrial starches, describing uncommon sources along with their technological characteristics, processing, and performance on food products. Minor components remaining after extraction play an important role in starch performance despite their low percentage, as happens with tuber starches, where minerals may affect gelatinization. This feature can be leveraged in favor of the different needs of the food industry, with diversified applications in the market being considered in the manufacture of both plant and animal-based products with different sensory attributes. Hydrocolloids, different from starch, may also modify the technological outcome of the amylaceous fraction; therefore, combinations should be considered, as advantages and disadvantages linked to biological origin, consumer perception, or technological performance may arise. Among water-based system modifiers, starches and nonstarch hydrocolloids are particularly interesting, as their use reaches millions of sales in a multiplicity of specialties, including nonfood businesses, and could promote a diversified scheme that may address current monocrop production drawbacks for the future sustainability of the food system.

Biosynthesis, structure and functionality of starch granules in maize inbred lines with different kernel dehydration rate

In this study, we report important relationships between kernel starch and kernel dehydration rate for eight maize inbred lines with different dehydration characteristics. High-throughput RNA sequencing data of starch biosynthesis-related genes showed that kernel moisture content and dehydration rate were both associated with differential expression of most starch biosynthetic genes. Especially, kernel moisture content was positively correlated with the increased expression of SBEI and SBEIIb, thereby potentially inducing biosynthesis of amylose with low molecular weight and amylopectin with low content of amylopectin chains with degree of polymerization (DP) 6-12 in inbred lines with fast kernel dehydration rate. We found a negative correlation between short amylopectin chains (DP 6-12) and the starch retrogradation rate. Hence, a low amount of amylopectin chains with DP 6-12 in the inbred lines with fast kernel dehydration rate was a plausible reason for their high short- and long-term retrogradation.

Insights into the gelatinization of potato starch by in situ 1H NMR

The gelatinization of potato starch and the effect of NaCl on starch gelatinization were monitored successfully in situ by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Variable temperature (VT) 1H NMR measurement, from 316 K to 340 K, was conducted on a suspension of potato starch and deuterium water as well as a mixture of potato starch, NaCl and deuterium water. The hydration level of starch was determined with the increase of temperature. In the presence of NaCl, the initial gelatinization temperature of potato starch was decreased from 331 to 328 K. Meanwhile, in situ 1H NMR spectroscopy as a function of time was also carried out to monitor the gelatinization with a time resolution of 90 s per spectrum. Furthermore, the effect of using different processing methods during gelatinization, including varying the temperature or time duration, was investigated in detail. It was confirmed that protons from different groups of starch showed different accessibility for water during hydration of starch granules. In comparison with temperature, gelatinization time as the major factor for reaching complete gelatinization was confirmed. We expect that this research, as a continuing effort to apply NMR spectroscopy for characterizing starch, will pave a new way in the structural elucidation of starch.

Synergistic effect of extrusion and polyphenol molecular interaction on the short/long-term retrogradation properties of chestnut starch

The retrogradation properties of starch are closely related to the processing quality of starch-based foods. In this study, the synergistic effects of extrusion and the presence of polyphenols on the water distribution, rheological properties and short-term (1 day)/long-term (21 day) retrogradation of chestnut starch paste were investigated. Post extrusion complexation with catechins (CC)/proanthocyanidins (PC), the short- and long-term retrogradation were both inhibited and the anti-retrogradation rates (AR) during 1 and 21 days were as high as 100% and 44.17-69.30%, respectively. Owing to the destruction of starch chains by extrusion and interaction between starch and polyphenol molecules, the approach, entanglement and aggregation tendencies of starch molecules were all inhibited, which decreased the relative crystallinity (RC), flow resistance and storage modulus of starch paste and also increased the water-holding capacity. The starch retrogradation was thus suppressed. These results are beneficial for the development of starch-based products with high quality and lower retrogradation rate.

Gamma radiation as a modifier of starch – Physicochemical perspective

Starch is one of the most common and abundantly found carbohydrates in cereals, roots, legumes, and some fruits. It is a tasteless, colorless, and odorless source of energy that is present in the amyloplasts of plants. Native starch comprises amylose, a linear α-glucan having α-1,4-linkage and amylopectin, a branched polysaccharide with both α-1,4-linkage and α-1,6-linkage. Due to the low solubility, high viscosity, and unstable pasting property of native starch, it has been restricted from its application in industries. Although native starch has been widely used in various industries, modification of the same by various chemical, enzymatic and physical methods have been carried out to alter its properties for better performance in several industrial aspects. Physical modification like gamma radiation is frequently used as it is rapid, penetrates deeper, less toxic, and cost-effective. Starch when irradiated with gamma rays is observed to produce free radicals, generate sugars owing to cleavage of amylopectin branches, and exhibit variation in enzymatic digestion, amylose content, morphology, crystallinity, thermal property, and chemical composition. These physicochemical properties of the starch due to gamma radiation are assessed using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and its application are discussed.

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Assessment and comparison of morphological features of native and gamma-irradiated starch.

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Investigation of crystallinity and structural type of crystalline domains through XRD.

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FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the changes in chemical composition of gamma-irradiated and native starch.

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DSC analysis revealed the changes in gelatinization temperature of gamma-irradiated and native starch.

Temperature of plasma-activated water and its effect on the thermal and chemical surface properties of cereal and tuber starches

High amylose and waxy starches from maize and potato were incubated with plasma-activated water (PAW) at 25 °C, 60 °C, and 80 °C temperatures to investigate PAW treatment effects on the starches' properties. At 60 °C incubation temperature, the starches were basically annealed with PAW. Annealing starches with PAW significantly increased (p < 0.05) the gelatinization parameters except for the enthalpy of gelatinization of waxy potato starch. Furthermore, starch swelling power significantly decreased while the water absorption capacity and solubility increased significantly when incubated at 80 °C. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis showed the oxidation of C–C/C–H and C–O into carboxyl groups in waxy and high amylose maize starches incubated with PAW at 60 °C and 80 °C, respectively. In addition, cross-linking was observed in waxy maize and high amylose potato incubated with PAW at 80 °C and 25 °C, respectively. Overall, the results indicated PAW temperature is an important factor in modifying cereals and tuber starches with PAW.

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Maize and potato starches were treated with plasma-activated water (PAW).

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Increasing the temperature of PAW improves the hydration properties of starch.

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Gelatinization temperatures increased with an increase in the temperature of PAW.

Recent progress in Pickering emulsions stabilised by bioderived particles

In recent years, the demand for non-surfactant based Pickering emulsions in many industrial applications has grown significantly because of the option to select biodegradable and sustainable materials with low toxicity as emulsion stabilisers. Usually, emulsions are a dispersion system, where synthetic surfactants or macromolecules stabilise two immiscible phases (typically water and oil phases) to prevent coalescence. However, synthetic surfactants are not always a suitable choice in some applications, especially in pharmaceuticals, food and cosmetics, due to toxicity and lack of compatibility and biodegradability. Therefore, this review reports recent literature (2018-2021) on the use of comparatively safer biodegradable polysaccharide particles, proteins, lipids and combinations of these species in various Pickering emulsion formulations. Also, an overview of the various tuneable factors associated with the functionalisation or surface modification of these solid particles, that govern the stability of the Pickering emulsions is provided.

Effects of using cassava as an amylopectin source in low protein diets on growth performance, nitrogen efficiency, and postprandial changes in plasma glucose and related hormones concentrations of growing pigs

This study was aimed to explore the effect of using cassava as an amylopectin source in low protein (LP) diets on growth performance, nitrogen efficiency, and postprandial changes in plasma glucose and related hormones concentrations of growing pigs. Three animal experiments were included in the present study. Treatments included corn-soybean meal LP (Corn LP), corn-cassava-soybean meal LP (Corn + Cassava LP), and cassava-soybean meal LP (Cassava LP). The in vitro digestion proved that Corn + Cassava LP and Cassava LP diets induced more rapid starch digestion and glucose release, compared with Corn LP diet. The results of animal experiments are as follows: Cassava LP diet caused the most rapid changes in plasma glucose and relevant hormones concentrations after a meal. It decreased the concentrations of fasting plasma insulin, glucagon, and leptin concentrations compared with other treatments (P < 0.05). These modulations above led to a strong desire to eat and increased feed intake and then weight gain in growing pigs fed Cassava LP diet. Besides, feeding Cassava LP diet caused diarrhea, increased noxious gas release from feces, and increased concentrations of fecal isobutyrate and isovalerate (P < 0.05). Compared with Corn LP group, Corn + Cassava LP group showed significantly decreased urinary nitrogen (P < 0.05) and improved post-absorptive amino acid utilization efficiency. In conclusion, the use of cassava as an amylopectin source in LP diets could modulate glucose absorption and related gut secreted hormones secretion, subsequently strengthened the desire to eat, improved growth performance, and enhanced nitrogen efficiency in growing pigs.