Non-conventional Starch Sources Research Articles

Effect of clays incorporation on properties of thermoplastic starch/clay composite bio-based polymer blends

In this study, thermoplastic starch (TPS) biofilms were developed using starch isolated from the seeds of Melicoccus bijugatus (huaya) and reinforced with bentonite clays at concentrations of 1%, 3%, and 5% by weight. Novelty of this research lies in utilizing a non-conventional starch source and enhancing properties of TPS through clay reinforcement. FTIR analysis verified bentonite’s nature of clays, while SEM analysis provided insights into morphology and agglomeration behavior. Key findings include a notable increase in biofilm thickness and elastic modulus with higher clay content. Specifically, tensile strength of biofilms improved from 2.5 MPa for pure TPS to 5.0 MPa with 5% clay reinforcement. The elastic modulus increased from 25 MPa (TPS) to 60 MPa (5% clay). Thermal stability also showed enhancement, with initial degradation temperature increasing from 110 °C for pure TPS to 130 °C for TPS with 5% clay. Water vapor permeability (WVP) tests demonstrated a decrease in WVP values from 4.11 × 10−10 g m−1 s−1 Pa−1 for pure TPS to 2.09 × 10−10 g m−1 s−1·Pa−1 for TPS with 5% clay, indicating a significant barrier effect due to clay dispersion. These results suggest that biofilms based on huaya starch and reinforced with bentonite clay have considerable potential for sustainable food packaging applications, offering enhanced mechanical and barrier properties.

Comprehensive review of sustainable utilization of Arenga obtusifolia Griff. as a food

This review delves into the utilization of non-conventional starch sources through a specific cultural lens, focusing on the practices and significance of Arenga obtusifolia Griff., commonly referred to as the sugar palm, and its derivative product called Tassey. The tassey is widely popular in the Nyishi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, India, a region renowned for its biodiversity and abundant palm tree varieties, including the sugar palm. Highlighting the multifaceted dimensions of the sugar palm, this review expounds upon Tassey's creation, consumption, and versatile applications. Tassey, a substance extracted from the sugar palm's stem, emerges as a pivotal element of the Nyishi tribe's cultural heritage and sustenance strategies, especially during times of scarcity and natural calamities. This review sheds light on the integral role played by Nyishi women in the cultivation and preparation of tassey, underscoring their vital contribution to upholding this time-honoured practice. Furthermore, the economic ramifications of tassey production and its commercial viability are explored, elucidating its role in bolstering the tribe's livelihood. Extending beyond its dietary role, tassey exhibits a diverse array of applications, spanning from human consumption to its incorporation in the crafting of traditional alcoholic beverages and even as a therapeutic resource for livestock. By offering insights into the profound relationship between the Nyishi tribe and the sugar palm, this review enriches our comprehension of traditional ecological wisdom and sustainable exploitation of resources within a culturally vibrant backdrop. Ultimately, this comprehensive exploration contributes to a nuanced appreciation of the intricate interplay between heritage, environment, and innovation in this distinctive region.

Babassu Mesocarp: A Sustainable Source for Obtaining Starch and New Products

AbstractBabassu mesocarp is a product generated during the processing of babassu fruit. That material is a valuable source of starch, which exhibits distinct properties. This review addresses the extraction methods, chemical composition, structure, morphology, properties, and potential uses of babassu mesocarp starch (BMS). In addition, comparisons with other conventional and nonconventional starch sources are also presented. Significant variations in the chemical composition of BMS are found by some authors. Morphological studies demonstrate that starch granules come in a variety of sizes, but the shape is mostly oval. Additionally, authors have observed C‐type crystallinity of babassu starches by X‐ray diffraction. Although native BMS has techno‐functional limitations and food applications have been poorly explored, their characteristics are like those of corn. This review provides the latest useful references about BMS and its usability in the food and nonfood industries and shows potential remarks to direct future research on BMS.

Effects of cinnamon essential oil-loaded Pickering emulsion on the structure, properties and application of chayote tuber starch-based composite films

The use of non-conventional starch sources to develop biodegradable and bioactive starch-based films have attracted increasing attention recently. In this study, a nonconventional chayote tuber starch (CTS) was functionalized by zein-pectin nanoparticle-stabilized cinnamon essential oil (CEO) Pickering emulsion (ZPCO) to develop a novel bioactive composite films for food packaging application. Results demonstrated that antibacterial ZPCO featuring long-term stability was successfully obtained. FTIR and SEM analyses suggested that ZPCO have favorable dispersibility and compatibility with CTS matrix. With ZPCO increasing, the transmittance, tensile strength, and moisture content of composite films decreased, whereas their elongation at break, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities increased. ZPCO added at an appropriate level (2 %) can improve water-resistance of the films and reduce water vapor permeability. More importantly, ZPCO can achieve a slower sustained-release of CEO from composite films into food simulants. Furthermore, the composite film containing 2 % ZPCO is safe and nontoxic as proved by cell cytotoxicity test, and it can significantly prolong the shelf life of ground beef by showing the lowest total volatile base nitrogen and best acceptable sensory characteristic. Overall, the incorporation of ZPCO into CTS films offers a great potential application as a bioactive material in the food packing.

Non-conventional starches isolated from agronomic-improved beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.): A study of their structure and physicochemical properties.

Non-conventional starch sources are promising alternative food ingredients. Different bean varieties with agronomic improvements are constantly being developed and cultivated in the North-western Argentinean region (NOA) to increase yields and obtain high-quality seeds. However, the main attributes of their starches have not been studied. In this work, starches from 4 agronomic-improved bean cultivars were isolated and their structure and physicochemical properties were evaluated. High-purity starches were obtained, as their low protein and ash contents showed. Starch granules presented smooth surfaces with spherical to oval shapes, with a marked "maltese cross" and heterogeneous sizes. Their amylose content revealed a mean value of 318 g.kg-1 and all presented resistant > slowly digestible > rapidly digestible starch fractions. Their FTIR spectra were almost similar and the X-ray diffraction analysis showed a CA- type pattern in all cases despite their different sources. Among thermal properties, Escarlata´ starch showed the lowest gelatinization peak temperature (69.5 °C) and Anahí´ starch the highest (71.3 °C). Starch´s pasting temperatures varied from 74.6 to 76.9 °C, whereas peak viscosity and final viscosity had a similar tendency, being Leales B30 < Anahí < Escarlata < Cegro 99/11-2 and Leales B30 < Anahí = Escarlata < Cegro 99/11-2, respectively. This study provides a basis for a better understanding of the characteristics of agronomic-improved NOA bean starches, enabling their use in product formulation as an alternative to starches from conventional sources. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Effect of seven non-conventional starch rich sources on physico-chemical and sensory characteristics of extruded snacks

Starch-rich foods, such as cereal sources (rice, maize, and barley), are commonly used raw materials for extrusion cooking due to their excellent expansion characteristics. Other nonconventional starch sources like green banana, water chestnut, and potato can also be employed for extrusion cooking. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the extrusion behavior and sensory acceptability of nonconventional starch-rich food sources like rice, maize, barley, wheat, water chestnut, potato, and green banana. Maize, rice, wheat, potato, water chestnuts, barley, and green banana flour samples were evaluated for various physicochemical, pasting, and morphological properties, and were subjected to extrusion cooking at the moisture content of 15%, screw speed of 300 rpm, and barrel temperature of 125°C. The developed extruded snacks from selected crops were also evaluated for various physicochemical, pasting, and morphological properties. Potato flour and green banana flour recorded the highest starch content of 78.27 and 76.61%, respectively. The highest peak viscosity (6025 cp), trough viscosity (2968 cp), breakdown viscosity (3057 cp), pasting temperature (92°C), and minimum peak time (4.67 min) were recorded in the case of green banana flour. The structural assessment of all the flour samples was done through scanning electron microscopy. The highest expansion ratio (5.06), as well as overall acceptability (4.28), was recorded in the case of corn-based snacks. The highest bulk density and hardness were recorded in the case of barley-based snacks. The highest values of water absorption index and water solubility index were recorded in the case of green banana flour–based snacks.

Comparative study on physiochemical and flow properties of Chickpea and Maize starch

Excipients are generally materials other than the active ingredients basically required in the manufacturing of all types of pharmaceutical formulations. Recent years witnessed the increase in the number of researchers carrying out on the excipients derived from naturl sources such as, polysaccharides and conclued that natural excipients are comparable and could be alternative to the synthetic addditives. However, choosing the optimum excipients requires striking a balance between time and cost savings, as well as expected product performance. Starch is considered to be one of the most commonly used excipients for pharmaceutical preparations. Non-conventional starch sources have been studied profoundly in recent years for searching new additive properties. Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the largest produced food legume in globally. The objective of the present study was to compare the physiochemical and flow characteristics of starches from chick pea and maize. Starch was isolated and evaluated its physical, chemical and functional properties. Solubility of both chickpea and maize starches was increased with increasing temperatures. The Pre-compression tests such as angle of repose, bulk density, tapped density, Hausner’s ratio, and % compressibility of starch were carried out which showed that Chick pea starch powder is non-free flowing and has a low interparticulate friction.&#x0D; Keywords: Excipients, Chickpea starch, Maize starch, Flow properties, Physiochemical properties.

Effect of Thermal Pretreatments on Phosphorylation of Corypha umbraculifera L. Stem Pith Starch: A Comparative Study Using Dry-Heat, Heat-Moisture and Autoclave Treatments.

Talipot starch, a non-conventional starch source with a high yield (76%) from the stem pith of talipot palm (Corypha umbraculifera L.) was subjected to three different thermal treatments (dry-heat, heat-moisture and autoclave treatments) prior to phosphorylation. Upon dual modification of starch with thermal treatments and phosphorylation, the phosphorous content and degree of crosslinking significantly increased (p ≤ 0.05) and was confirmed by the increased peak intensity of P=O and P–O–C stretching vibrations compared to phosphorylated talipot starch in the FT-IR spectrum. The highest degree of crosslinking (0.00418) was observed in the autoclave pretreated phosphorylated talipot starch sample. Thermal pretreatment remarkably changed the granule morphology by creating fissures and grooves. The amylose content and relative crystallinity of all phosphorylated talipot starches significantly decreased (p ≤ 0.05) due to crosslinking by the formation of phosphodiester bonds, reducing the swelling power of dual-modified starches. Among all modified starches, dry-heat pretreated phosphorylated starch gel showed an improved light transmittance value of 28.4%, indicating reduced retrogradation tendency. Pasting and rheological properties represented that the thermal pretreated phosphorylated starch formed stronger gels that improved thermal and shear resistance. Autoclave treatment before phosphorylation of talipot starch showed the highest resistant starch content of 48.08%.

Edible Films and Coatings Formulated with Arrowroot Starch as a Non-Conventional Starch Source for Plums Packaging

Increasing environmental awareness has promoted an interest in alternative strategies to common plastics obtained from fossil sources, stimulating research on the use of biodegradable and edible films/coatings obtained from renewable sources such as arrowroot starch. This research work aimed to evaluate the use of arrowroot starch on the formation of edible films and coatings. Increasing the concentration of arrowroot starch (from 1% to 5%, mass/mass) in the film produced by casting resulted in increased water vapor permeability (from 2.20 to 3.68 g mm/m2 day kPa), moisture content (3.22% to 7.95%), increased thickness (from 0.029 to 0.101 mm), and decreased solubility in water (from 22.45% to 13.89%). The films were homogeneous, transparent and manageable, with the exception of the film with 1% starch. Film-forming solutions at concentrations of 0%, 2%, and 4% (mass/mass) of arrowroot starch were prepared and applied to plums to evaluate post-harvest behavior when stored at 25 and 5 °C for 35 days. The 2% coating adhered well to the plums’ surfaces, was bright and was effective in reducing mass loss and respiratory rate, associated with storage temperature of 5 °C. The 4% coating presented an opaque and flocculated appearance.

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

Ten native potato varieties grown in Cusco (at 3,672 m above sea level) were used for starches extraction (at a pilot scale), and their physicochemical, functional, morphological, and structural characteristics were assessed. The content of protein, apparent amylose and phosphorus ranged from 0.1% to 0.44%, 23.42% to 35.5%, and 0.07 to 0.10%, respectively. Starch granules revealed smooth surface, with ellipsoidal and spherical shapes, particle size analysis exhibited bimodal or multimodal distribution, while the averaged crystallinity was 27.7% assessed by XRD. Gelatinization temperatures of the starches ranged from 57.4 to 60.1 °C, 60.8 to 64.3 °C, and 68.4 to 71.1°C for To, Tp, and Tc, respectively; and the gelatinization enthalpies ranged from 15.4 to 17.1 J/g. Respect to pasting properties, the peak viscosity and setback viscosity ranged from 12,970 to 16,970 mPa⋅s and from 968 to 2498 mPa⋅s, respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed no significant relationship between apparent amylose content and thermal stability. Therefore, the results reveal subtle differences in the functional characteristics of the starches from the native varieties of potato studied, which can be recommended for food industry applications. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study contributes to show several varieties of native potatoes from Cusco and their valorization as nonconventional starch source. Describing the physicochemical, functional, and structural characteristics of these starches could be useful for food industry applications.

Ariá (Goeppertia allouia) Brazilian Amazon tuber as a non-conventional starch source for foods

Ariá (Goeppertia allouia) is a tuber from the arrowroot's family widely found in the Brazilian Amazon. The tuber has a flavor similar to corn, besides high retrogradation when cooked, differing from other commercial starches. To enhance its added value, the Ariá starch was extracted to evaluate its potential as a food ingredient. The Ariá starch was compared to the commercially available corn and potato starches regarding their physicochemical, thermal, structural, and rheological properties based on the Duncan's test (p-value <0.05). The Ariá starch presented high amylose content (~38% w/w). Furthermore, the X-ray diffraction pattern confirmed its Type-C crystalline structure. The rheological properties showed that the starch gels presented high hardness and retrogradation as other studied starches. Ariá has great potential as a source of starch with low digestibility, increasing the satiety of food products.

Biological Macromolecule Composite Films Made from Sagu Starch and Flour/Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Blends Processed by Blending/Thermo Molding

Non-conventional starch sources (starch and flour) obtained from sagu (Canna edulis Kerr) rhizomes grown in the Venezuelan Amazon were used as biological macromolecule matrices. Biological macromolecule composite films prepared from sagu starch and flour/poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) blends were then obtained by blending/thermo molding. The use of flours as a rich source of starch has attracted much attention as they are cheaper than starch, thus making them commercially more competitive. The PCL-containing films proved to be less stable in an alkaline medium and less dense (0.60–0.66 g/cm3), and were also thinner (1.15–1.17 mm), rougher, more crystalline (20.5–27.1%) and opaque (1.45–1.52) than the films without added PCL. Films made from the flour/PCL blend showed a greater phase separation than the starch/PCL films. The use of flour as a starchy source is interesting. However, the results of attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and water activity suggest that the films prepared from sagu starch-glycerol had stronger hydrogen bonding interactions than those made from flour-glycerol. This led to the sagu starch-based film being less susceptible to moisture and more stable under alkaline conditions.

Influence of the addition of hydrocolloids on the thermal, pasting and structural properties of starch from common vetch seeds (Vicia sativa sp)

Belonging to the leguminous family, the common vetch seeds are a non-conventional starch source that can be exploited to attend the growing demand of the food industry. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of addition of hydrocolloids (5% of: carrageenan, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), guar, jatahy, xanthan and pectin) on the thermal, pasting and structural properties of starch from common vetch (Vicia sativa) seeds. The interaction with the hydrocolloids was analysed by thermogravimetry and derivative thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), viscoamylographic analysis (RVA) and X-ray powder diffraction (DRX). From the thermogravimetry, a similar behaviour was observed for all the studied samples, with three well-defined mass losses and a thermal stability plateau. The addition of guar gum promoted an increase in its thermal stability, unlike the sample added of CMC. From the DSC analysis, it was possible to observe a decrease in onset temperatures with the addition of hydrocolloids, which can be correlated with the decrease in pasting temperatures obtained by RVA, except for the carrageenan gum, which increased these temperatures. By RVA an increase in peak viscosities was achieved, highlighting the addition of CMC, pectin and xanthan. Small variations in the degree of relative crystallinity were noted, but no changes in the diffraction pattern occurred for the samples from the XRD analysis. Although native starch has some limitations, the synergistic effect produced by the addition of gums can optimise its technological properties expanding the industrial use.

Eriobotrya japonica seed as a new source of starch: Assessment of phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, thermal, rheological and morphological properties

Investigating non-conventional starch sources is essential because different chemical compositions, granular sizes and shapes, and amylose and amylopectin ratios, reveal new technological features. The loquat (Eriobotrya japônica), which is from the Rosaceae plant family, has a high amount of starch in its seeds (≅ 20%). Thus, this study aimed to characterise the physicochemical, thermal, rheological and structural properties, as well as the bioactive compounds, of loquat seed starch (LSS) derived from urban afforestation and commercial fruits at two stages of maturity: ripe (RI) and unripe (UN). Scanning electron micrographs showed oval- and cylindrical-shaped LSS granules. Using X-ray diffraction patterns it was possible to classify the LSS as having a C-type crystalline structure. The LSS (RI and UN) exhibited a higher thermal stability range in relation to degradation than conventional starches in the thermogravimetric assays (TG/DTG). Using differential scanning calorimetry it was possible to suggest a correlation between the peak temperatures with the gelatinisation temperatures obtained by the oscillatory shear test of the LSS. The rheological assays revealed that the LSS gels present pseudoplastic behaviour, with a high degree of thixotropy. Furthermore, higher content of polyphenols and higher antioxidant capacity were observed for the UN unpurified starch samples. Seven bioactive compounds were quantified in the raw starches by Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography, with major concentrations of kaempferol (up to 330.46 μg/kg) and 5-caffeoylquinic acid (up to 135.00 μg/kg). The LSS showed compatible characteristics for industrial usage as an alternative to chemically modified starches.

Thermal and Functional Properties of Hairless Canary Seed (Phalaris canariensis L.) Starch in Comparison with Wheat Starch

Recently, hairless canary seed has received generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and an approval as a novel food from Health Canada. There is a need to characterize its components for food and nonfood applications. In this study, thermal and functional properties of starch obtained from two hairless canary seed varieties were investigated and compared with commercial wheat starch. Both canary seed starches (CSS) had polygonal granules with a diameter range of 0.5–7.5 μm and average of 2.6 μm. The CSS showed a typical crystal structure (A‐type) of cereal starches but exhibited a strong amylose‐lipid complex peak at 4.4°A. DSC data showed that CSS have higher gelatinization transition temperatures (onset, peak, and conclusion temperatures) and broader gelatinization range compared with wheat starch. The CSS also exhibited higher peak, trough, final, breakdown, and setback viscosity in addition to higher swelling power and water solubility index than wheat starch. The exudate from CSS gels after freeze‐thawing treatment was lower than that of wheat starch gel, but CSS suspensions showed less clarity. The distinct properties of CSS, particularly having uniform and small granules, low amount of damaged starch and amylose, and better gel stability, would make it a promising nonconventional starch source.

Starches from non - conventional sources to improve the technological characteristics of pound cake

This study evaluated and compared the effect of the utilization of five different non-conventional starches (chickpea, common bean, Peruvian carrot, sweet potato and white bean) and four different commercial starches (cassava, corn, potato and rice) in pound cake. Common bean starch, followed by Peruvian carrot starch were the non-conventional starch sources that showed tendency to improve the technological quality of pound cake, mainly in relation to corn starch, the most common commercial source. With these sources, the batters presented lower specific gravity and the cakes presented higher specific volume, lighter color, lower crumb moisture reduction during the storage period, and better texture attributes during all the cake shelf-life. Moreover, common bean starch provided higher scores in the cake sensory evaluation; especially for grain and texture attributes (moisture, tenderness and softness). Chickpea and white bean starches were more similar to corn starch in pound cake application.

Some properties of starch and starch edible films from under-utilized roots and tubers from the Venezuelan Amazons

Biopolymers from agricultural starchy commodities can be raw materials for edible, biologically degradable plastics. They have promising uses, having been proposed for replacing synthetic films. There are several starchy sources not yet quite exploited such as tropical roots and tubers that could be excellent starch sources to produce edible films with distinctive functional properties. The objective of this study was to formulate edible films from six tropical starchy crops. Starches were extracted and purified to 97–99% purity from Ipomoea batatas, Arracacia xanthorriza roots, Colocasia esculenta, Xanthosoma sagittifolium corms, and Dioscorea trifida tubers (white and purple) cultivated in the Venezuelan Amazons. The non-conventional starches were characterized for purity, amylose content and gelatinization profile by differential scanning calorimetry, starch granular morphometry and rheological properties. Starch-based films were processed by casting solutions prepared with each starch, glycerol, and distilled water. Starch suspensions were gelatinized by heat, degassed, poured in plates and dried. In the films, studies performed were water vapor, oxygen and carbon dioxide permeability, and mechanical properties in terms of tensile strength. Crystallinity patterns of native starches and films were also obtained. Ipomoea batatas and Colocasia esculenta exhibited polymorphism A+B type X-ray pattern, Xanthosoma sagittifolium, an A-type X-ray pattern, and Arracacia xanthorriza and both Diosocrea trifida, B-type patterns; while starch-based films had all a B-type X-ray pattern. As expected, the potential for these types of films are more in the area of decreasing gas exchange rather than retardation of water loss due to their hydrophilic nature. Films from these non-conventional starch sources with barrier and mechanical characteristics tailored for specific uses can be of interest as plastics for the food industry and results may be of significance also, for starch-based foams.

Resistant Starch Production from Non-conventional Starch Sources by Extrusion

The production of resistant starch from non-conventional sources using an extruder was studied. Starch was isolated from unripe banana and mango fruits, commercial corn starch was used for comparison purposes. Moisture, ash and fat content were higher in non-conventional starch sources than in corn starch, but corn starch presented a lower protein and dietary fibre content than banana and mango starches. Amylose content was higher in banana and mango starches than in corn starch. Besides, mango had the smallest granule size (5–10 m). Extruded mango had the lowest solubility which may be related with the granule size, and in the case of the swelling, extruded products from corn starch had the highest values, a pattern that may be due to the amylose/amylopectin ratio, because corn starch had the lowest amylose content of the starches studied. Extruded products from mango presented a resistant starch (RS) content that decreased when the screw speed increased, for banana starch, the RS values from the extruded products was similar at 30 rpm and 65 rpm, and at 40 rpm it was the highest. In the case of retrograded resistant starch (RRS), the values of the extruded products prepared with non-conventional starches had a defined pattern, because they decreased when screw speed increased.