Effect of multipin atmospheric cold plasma discharge on functional properties of little millet (Panicum miliare) flour

Abstract

The effect of multipin electrical discharge atmospheric cold plasma treatment on functional properties of little millet flour was investigated for value addition to this millet. Millet flour was treated at two different powers of 13 and 24 W with exposure for 10 min, 20 min and 30 min. Water and oil absorption capacity, swelling capacity, solubility index, least gelatinization concentration, color, viscosity, dispersibility, bulk and true densities of the control and plasma treated flour were studied. Plasma treatment was observed to enhance the functional properties of the millet flour, whilst the physical properties remained unchanged. The microstructure of the millet flour showed breakdown of starch granules, while the diffractograms revealed a decrease in relative crystallinity due to depolymerization of starch caused by the action of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in cold plasma. Overall plasma treatment can be explored for development of a process to enhance functionality of millet flour for applications in food systems.