Characterization of starches obtained from several native potato varieties grown in Cusco (Peru)

"Development and characterization of edible films based on starch isolated from different Colombian potato varieties"

This work reports on the extraction and characterization of the behavior of starch from residues of several potato varieties (Criolla, Sabanera and Pastusa) of Colombian origin from the Andean region using different techniques and the evaluation of the effect of citric acid (CA) on the grain morphology. Additionally, films were produced with each one of the extracted starches and glycerol. Pastusa variety starch shows a higher granule size than the other varieties and Pastusa starch shows lower amylose content compared to Sabanera and Criolla. Criolla and Pastusa starches exhibit more thermal stability than Sabanera starch. Starch-glycerol films were also produced using the cast solving method. The films were mechanically analyzed by tensile test and the barrier properties were assessed by water vapor permeability (WVP). The tensile strength of the films varied in the 2.0-2.4 MPa range, while the elongation at break was comprised between 25 and 32 %. With regard to water vapor permeability, the obtained values fall within the 4-7 × 10-10 g m-1 s-1 Pa-1 range. It was observed that the thickness of the films and the protein content affected water vapor permeability, increasing this value at higher levels of thickness.

Native Potato Starch and Tara Gum as Polymeric Matrices to Obtain Iron-Loaded Microcapsules from Ovine and Bovine Erythrocytes

Iron deficiency leads to ferropenic anemia in humans. This study aimed to encapsulate iron-rich ovine and bovine erythrocytes using tara gum and native potato starch as matrices. Solutions containing 20% erythrocytes and different proportions of encapsulants (5, 10, and 20%) were used, followed by spray drying at 120 and 140 °C. Iron content in erythrocytes ranged between 2.24 and 2.52 mg of Fe/g; microcapsules ranged from 1.54 to 2.02 mg of Fe/g. Yields varied from 50.55 to 63.40%, and temperature and encapsulant proportion affected moisture and water activity. Various red hues, sizes, and shapes were observed in the microcapsules. SEM-EDS analysis revealed the surface presence of iron in microcapsules with openings on their exterior, along with a negative zeta potential. Thermal and infrared analyses confirmed core encapsulation within the matrices. Iron release varied between 92.30 and 93.13% at 120 min. Finally, the most effective treatments were those with higher encapsulant percentages and dried at elevated temperatures, which could enable their utilization in functional food fortification to combat anemia in developing countries.

Extraction and characterization of starch from low-grade potatoes and formulation of gluten-free cookies containing modified potato starch

Potatoes are among the leading staple crops due to nutritional value and high demand. The undersized and damaged potatoes are considered low grade and mainly dumped as a waste or used in animal feed. The study aimed to extract starch from low grade potatoes, its modification to improve the starch properties and formulation of gluten free cookies using modified starch (MS). The starch was extracted from low-grade potatoes of three varieties known as Asterix, Kruda and Mosaic, using the water steeping method. The native starch (NS) was modified using lintnerization and repetitive autoclaving. MS contains high amylose content which is associated with health benefits. NS and MS were characterized for amylose content, color attributes, granular morphology, water solubility index (WSI), water absorption index (WAI), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) analysis. Gluten-free cookies were formulated by adding potato NS and MS. The cookies were characterized by sensory evaluation, proximate and textural analysis. The starch yield extracted from three different varieties of potatoes i.e. Asterix, Kruda, Mosaic was 11.53%, 11.32% and 11.24%, respectively. The amylose content of potato starch was significantly (p < 0.05) increased for all varieties (33.61-37.74%) after modification of NS, which was in the range of 25.71-26.60% for different potato varieties. The granules of MS were observed as amorphous structures in comparison to NS granules with smooth surfaces. The addition of MS significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the hardness of the cookies in comparison to NS. Overall, no significant difference was observed in the sensory attributes of control, NS and MS containing cookies. Therefore, in comparison to other dietary fibers, MS can be used as a functional ingredient in food products without compromising the texture and sensory attributes.