Starch Industry Research Articles

Immunostimulatory and anti-metastatic activity of polysaccharides isolated from byproducts of the corn starch industry

Corn steep liquor (CSL) is a major by-product of the corn steeping process that is utilized in the wet milling industry. To develop new physiologically active polysaccharides from CSL, polysaccharides were isolated and their innate immunostimulatory and anti-metastatic activities were investigated. Corn byproduct polysaccharides (CBP) were preferentially isolated from CSL and further separated into supernatant (CBP1S) and precipitate (CBP1P) fractions. The anti-complementary activity of CBP1S was more potent than CBP1P and CBP. In addition, CBP1S enhanced production of macrophage-stimulating cytokines (e.g., IL-6 and IL-12) and natural killer (NK) cell-activating substances (e.g., granzyme and interferon-γ). Further, CBP1S significantly inhibited lung metastasis at a dose of 1000μg per mouse in an experimental lung metastasis model. These results suggest that CBP1S seems to promote the inhibition of lung metastasis through a mechanism leading to stimulation of the innate immune system, and CBP1S could be used as immunostimulating agents and for industrial applications.

Comparison of international methods for the determination of total starch in raw sugars: Part II

Industrial starch methods in the sugar industry are affected by sugarcane- and processing-derived colourants, and it was presumed that these methods are mathematically equatable. Using the USDA Starch Research method as a reference and factory raw sugars, the impact of colourants on the accuracy, precision, limits of detection/quantification, and mathematical equatability of the starch methods were investigated. Approximately 26–55% of raw sugar colour contributed to starch-I3− absorbance. The exclusion of a colour blank negatively affected method accuracy and the addition of a colour blank confirmed that these methods measured mostly colour instead of starch. Inefficient starch solubilization and the inability to standardize sugar colourants explained why starch results from these methods could not be mathematically equated to the USDA Starch Research method, or among different methods. An industrial starch method that efficiently solubilizes starch and includes a colour blank is urgently needed.

Sweet potato and potato residual flours as potential nutritional and healthy food material

In this study, the proximate composition, mineral content and amino acid composition of starch processing residues from 10 cultivars of sweet potato and 10 cultivars of potato were determined, and the nutritional and health-related values of these residues were investigated. The residual flours contained 20.63–31.48 g and 17.14–28.57 g rich dietary fiber per 100 g dry weight for sweet potato and potato, respectively, as well as mineral elements, including potassium, ferrum, zinc and copper. The highest limiting amino acid score (AAS) of the almost balanced amino acid composition were observed to be 71.07 and 57.96 for sweet potato and potato residues, respectively. A grey relational analysis showed that the nutritional values of Jishu 4 at 0.7519 and LT-5 at 0.7281 were the highest among the sweet potato and potato residues, respectively. The evaluation of the sweet potato/potato residues, the by-products of the starch industry, based on recommended daily intake (RDI) standards, indicated that the residues have potential nutritional and health-related food values.

Hydrolytic pre-treatment methods for enhanced biobutanol production from agro-industrial wastes

Brewery industry liquid waste (BLW), brewery spent grain (BSG), apple pomace solid wastes (APS), apple pomace ultrafiltration sludge (APUS) and starch industry wastewater (SIW) have been considered as substrates to produce biobutanol. Efficiency of hydrolysis techniques tested to produce fermentable sugars depended on nature of agro-industrial wastes and process conditions. Acid-catalysed hydrolysis of BLW and BSG gave a total reducing sugar yield of 0.433 g/g and 0.468 g/g respectively. Reducing sugar yield from microwave assisted hydrothermal method was 0.404 g/g from APS and 0.631 g/g from APUS, and, 0.359 g/g from microwave assisted acid-catalysed SIW dry mass. Parameter optimization (time, pH and substrate concentration) for acid-catalysed BLW hydrolysate utilization using central composite model technique produced 307.9 g/kg glucose with generation of inhibitors (5-hydroxymethyl furfural (20 g/kg), furfural (1.6 g/kg), levulinic acid (9.3 g/kg) and total phenolic compound (0.567 g/kg)). 10.62 g/L of acetone-butanol-ethanol was produced by subsequent clostridial fermentation of the substrate.

Influence of temperature on mixed microbial culture polyhydroxyalkanoate production while treating a starch industry wastewater

The influence of temperature on the production of enrichment biomass and polyhydroxyalkanoates by activated sludge was evaluated within a practical case study. Two laboratory-scale sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) were operated in parallel over 131days to treat a wastewater from a potato-starch modification facility, and produce surplus activated sludge biomass with PHA accumulation potential. The SBRs were operated similarly but at different temperatures (15 and 25°C). Temperature did not influence wastewater treatment performance (average 97% COD removal).Replicate PHA accumulation experiments were conducted on the SBR surplus biomass at 15, 20, 25 and 30°C. Surplus biomass accumulated PHA with acetic acid to between 60 and 65%, gPHA/gVSS for all temperatures tested and with estimated Arrhenius temperature coefficients (θ) of 1.048 for the PHA production, and 1.062 for the COD consumption specific rates. The MMC PHA production process was adaptable within a common range anticipated for seasonal fluctuation of temperature for the influent wastewater and PHA production feedstocks without loss of performance. This outcome suggests a broad range in the practical feasibility and reliability with MMC method and process implementations. PHA production was predicted to be more efficient at lower temperatures. Strategies can be engineered in the bioprocess design and operations to accommodate for temperature shifts in practical applications of PHA production as a route to resource recovery from organic waste management services.

Controlled enzymatic hydrolysis for improved exploitation of the antioxidant potential of wheat gluten

The aim of the study was to find the optimal operational and process parameters for the enzymatic hydrolysis of wheat gluten in a batch stirred bioreactor regarding both degree of hydrolysis and antioxidant capacity of the obtained hydrolysates. It appeared that impeller geometry and agitation speed influenced the mass transfer resulting in enhanced gluten hydrolysis. The highest initial reaction rate (0.83 ± 0.02 min−1) and degree of hydrolysis (30.47%) were achieved with the pitched four-bladed impeller and agitation speed of 350–450 rpm, conditions which provided proper balance between requirements for adequate mass/heat transfer and low shear stress. The impact of other process conditions including gluten concentration, temperature, pH and enzyme-gluten (E/S) ratio on the enzymatic reaction was investigated by applying a Box-Behnken experimental design from the viewpoint of the degree of hydrolysis (DH) and antioxidant activity. Three models obtained allowed calculation of the hydrolysis degree, and both 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulpfonic acid) radical scavenging activity from a given set of reaction conditions with good predictability. The statistical analysis showed that each variable had a significant effect on degree of hydrolysis and the antioxidant capacity of both tested systems. Hydrolysis up to around DH 15% improved DPPH radical scavenging activity, while excessive hydrolysis worsened it. The ABTS activity of the hydrolysates was not associated with the DPPH activity nor with the DH, revealing that it was not possible to fulfill all desirable quality requirements (maximum degree of hydrolysis and protein yield, maximum DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities) by using the same reaction conditions. Overall, the study might contribute to approve wheat gluten, a by-product of wheat starch industry, as an accessible and cheap source of bioactive compounds for the development of novel nutraceuticals, cosmetics and drugs.

The influence of flaxseed gum on the retrogradation of maize starch

SummaryThe influence of flaxseed gum (FG) on the retrogradation of maize starch (MS) was investigated in this study. Based on the results of rapid visco‐analyzer (RVA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Low field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF‐NMR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), FG has a retardation effect on the retrogradation of MS. With the addition increasing, the more significant the retardation effect was observed (P < 0.05). However, when the concentration of FG was up to 0.4%, the change of retrogradation ratio showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). FG could wrap around starch granules, suppress the recrystallisation of amylose and amylopectin, increase the water mobility and decrease the water loss. In summary, the overall results suggested that FG could be used as a natural inhibitor of the retrogradation of starch in food industry.

Integrated Sulfate Reduction and Biosorption Process for the Treatment of Mine Drainages

Sulfate is a pollutant present in the mining waste water and acid mine drainage. High levels of sulfate can generate important environmental problems. One of the alternatives proposed for the treatment of water with high levels of sulfate is the use of sulfate-reducing microorganisms. This work describes the synergistic combination of a treatment system for the removal of metals by biosorption with the strain Bacillus sp. NRRL-B-30881 to reduce the inhibiting concentration of metals in waters, followed by a new process of sulfate removal that uses a halotolerant sulfate-reducing microbial consortium. The results show that the sulfate reducing consortium can be cultured and is able to reduce the sulfate concentration using cheaper complex organic substrates like spirulina, cellulose and industrial starch. The sulfate reducing consortium was cultured on a bioreactor with Celite R-635, as support material. Using this bioreactor it was possible to reduce the sulfate concentration in the culture medium in batch or semi-continuous operation. An acid mine drainage was pretreated by lime and treated by biosortion in order to increase the pH and reduce the heavy metals concentration. Subsequently the remaining sulfate was removed by the developed process. This integrated biological process represents a more economical alternative for the removal of metal by biosortion and the removal of sulfate using a sulfate reducing consortium.

Inheritance and a major quantitative trait locus of seed starch content in mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek)

Mungbean (Vigna radiata) seeds are used for direct consumption by people and are raw material for sprout, starch and noodle industries in Asia. High-yielding mungbean cultivars with high seed starch content are preferred for the starch and noodle industries. At present, there is no report on genetic control of seed starch content in mungbean. The objective of this study were to (i) estimate heritability of the starch content in mungbean and (ii) locate a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) controlling starch content. An F2 population of 123 individuals was developed from the cross V6087AG (high seed starch) × V5020BY (low seed starch). Seeds of F2 and F2:3 populations were determined for seed starch content. Broad-sense heritability estimated for seed starch content in the F2 and F2:3 populations were higher than 80%. Seed starch content showed a relatively high and significant correlation (r = 0.6) with seed weigh in both F2 and F2:3 populations. Bulk segregant analysis using 123 polymorphic SSR markers revealed that only SSR marker CEDG092 on mungbean chromosome 8 associated with the starch content. QTL mapping using CEDG092 and 22 newly developed SSR markers the chromosome confirmed that a major QTL, qSSC8.1, flanked by markers Vr08-SSR113 and Vr08-SSR114 control seed starch content in both F2 and F2:3 populations. qSSC8.1 showed no localization with seed weight QTL and explained about 12.34–13.84% of total variation of the seed starch content in the two populations. Allele(s) from V6087AG at this QTL increased seed starch content. Vr08-SSR113 and Vr08-SSR114 spanned a genome region of about 385 Kbp and there were 21 annotated genes in this region. This genome region can be used as target for fine mapping to identify gene controlling seed starch content in mungbean.

Pilot-scale biopesticide production by Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki using starch industry wastewater as raw material

ABSTRACTPilot-scale Bacillus thuringiensis based biopesticide production (2000 L bioreactor) was conducted using starch industry wastewater (SIW) as a raw material using optimized operational parameters obtained in 15 L and 150 L fermenters. In pilot scale fermentation process the oxygen transfer rate is a major limiting factor for high product yield. Thus, the volumetric mass transfer coefficient (KLa) remains a tool to determine the oxygen transfer capacity [oxygen utilization rate (OUR) and oxygen transfer rate (OTR)] to obtain better bacterial growth rate and entomotoxicity in new bioreactor process optimization and scale-up. This study results demonstrated that the oxygen transfer rate in 2000 L bioreactor was better than 15 L and 150 L fermenters. The better oxygen transfer in 2000 L bioreactor augmented the bacterial growth [total cell (TC) and viable spore count (SC)] and delta-endotoxin yield. Prepared a stable biopesticide formulation for field use and its entomotoxicity was also evaluated. This study result corroborates the feasibility of industrial scale operation of biopesticide production using starch industry wastewater as raw material.

Data-driven Modelling of Microfiltration Process with Embedded Static Mixer for Steepwater from Corn Starch Industry

Cross-flow microfiltration using ceramic tubular membrane was applied for treatment of steepwater from corn starch industry. Experiments are conducted according to the faced centered central composite design at three different transmembrane pressures (1, 2 and 3 bar) and cross-flow velocities (100, 150 and 200 L/h) with and without the usage of Kenics static mixer. For examination of the influence of the selected operating conditions at which usage of the static mixer is justified, a response surface methodology and desirability function approach were used. Obtained results showed improvement in the average permeate flux by using Kenics static mixer for 211 % to 269 % depending on experimental conditions when compared to the system without the static mixer. As a result of optimization, the best results considering flux improvement as well as reduction of specific energy consumption were obtained at low transmembrane pressure and lower feed cross-flow rates.

Structural and physicochemical properties of resistant starch from Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima ) prepared by autoclaving treatment and pullulanase hydrolysis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the properties of resistant starch (RS) from Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima), which was prepared by autoclaving treatment and pullulanase hydrolysis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the chestnut resistant starch (CRS) granules had a cohesive structure, an irregular shape, and diameters ranging from 6.0 to 7.2 µm. The enzymatic and retrogradation processes increased the yield of RS, and also decreased its swelling power, water solubility, and viscosity. An increase in transparency was also observed. The percent syneresis of the two starches increased steadily over time. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses revealed that autoclaving and pullulanase hydrolysis converted C-type native starch into a B-type pattern and increased the crystallinity. In addition, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results indicated a reduction in gelatinization temperature and enthalpy compared with native starch. The thermal properties of RS increased due to the retrogradation and recrystallization (p < .05). Practical applications Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima) is an important nut crop with high nutrition and planted in China widely. High water content in fresh chestnut leads to mildew attack easily, which will affect the chestnut market value and trade business. Therefore, it has great significance and practical demand to develop the deep processing technology and diversify its products. The resistant starch has been implemented as an ingredient for its resistant digestion properties for making flour food and functional food. However, the research and application of resistant starch from Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima) has been rarely seen. This study investigated the structural and physicochemical properties of chestnut resistant starch and provided a reference for the application of chestnut resistant starch in the food processing industries. For example, an increase in transparency and syneresis suggested chestnut resistant starch could be potentially used as a functional ingredient in jelly, beverages, and other food products, but not be possible for use in the frozen food industry.

C-type starches and their derivatives: structure and function.

The C-type starches are widely distributed in seeds or rhizomes of various legumes, medicinal plants, and crops. These carbohydrate polymers directly affect the application of starchy plant resources. The structural and crystal properties of starches are crucial parameters of starch granules, which significantly influence their physicochemical and mechanical properties. The unique crystal structure consisting of both A- and B-type polymorphs endows C-type starches with specific crystal adjustability. Furthermore, large proportions of resistant starches and slowly digestible starches are C-type starches, which contribute to benign glycemic response and proliferation of gut microflora. Here, we review the distribution of C-type starches in various plant sources, the structural models and crystal properties of C-type starches, and the behavior and functionality relevant to modified C-type starches. We outline recent advances, potential applications, and limitations of C-type starches in industry, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for further research and to broaden the prospects of its applications.

Application of Starches from Selected Local Cassava ( Manihot Exculenta Crantz ) as Drilling Mud Additives

Selected local cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) starches were investigated as additives for water-based drilling mud. Cassava cultivars, TMS 30572, TMS 98/0505, TMS 98/0581, M98/0068, TMS 92/0057, TMS 96/1632, NR8082, TME 419, TMS 97/4779 and TMS 01/1412 were processed to starches and used for drilling mud treatment at 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 percent. Polyanionic cellulose (PAC), xanthan gum (XG) and industrial starch-modified drilling muds served as controls. Physicochemical analysis of the starches showed significant differences in their properties. Viscosity and fluid loss profiles revealed that some of the local cassava starches had comparable performance with the commercial polymers. The optimal concentration of the industrial starch in the mud system was 0.5 percent, while that of the local starches were between 0.5 and 1.0 percent. PAC and XG performed best at 1.0 and 2.0 percent respectively. The highest viscosities were shown by muds treated with TMS 98/0581, XG, TMS 96/1632, M98/0068, TMS 92/0057 and PAC, arranged in decreasing order. And the lowest fluid losses were exhibited by muds with PAC, industrial starch, XG, TMS 98/0581 and M98/0068 in increasing order. Viscosity and fluid loss models as functions of cassava starch physicochemical properties were developed. Increase in starch content, amylose content, solubility index would readily increase viscosity, while high starch content, amylopectin content, solubility index and pH would reduce the fluid loss. Local starches from TMS 98/0581, TMS 96/1632 and M98/0068 and TMS 92/0057 could be used as a substitute in drilling mud as viscosity enhancers and fluid loss control agents in Nigeria.

Enzymatic Cascades for Efficient Biotransformation of Racemic Lactate Derived from Corn Steep Water

The corn starch industry produces a large amount of corn steep water, leading to high organic waste load. Lactate could be separated from corn steep water at a low cost, which supports the value-added utilization of corn steep water. However, the racemic characteristic of lactate from corn steep water restricts the development of this promising process. In this study, using d-lactate oxidase (d-LOX) from Gluconobacter oxydans, l-lactate oxidase (l-LOX) from Pediococcus sp., pyruvate decarboxylase from Zymomonas mobilis, and catalase from bovine liver, we synthesized an in vitro enzymatic system, including different enzymatic cascades, for the production of valuable platform chemicals from lactate separated from the corn steep water. Pyruvate was produced as an important intermediate and further converted into C2 (acetaldehyde) and C4 (acetoin) platform chemicals at high yields using optimized concentrations of pyruvate decarboxylase. The in vitro enzymatic system not only provides a novel technology platf...

Production of Edible Fungi from Potato Protein Liquor (PPL) in Airlift Bioreactor

Potato protein liquor (PPL), a side stream from the potato starch industry, is normally used as fertilizer. However, with more than 100 g/L of sugars, 20 g/L of Kjeldahl nitrogen and Chemical Oxigen Demand (COD) of 300 g/L, it represents serious environmental challenges. The use of PPL for fungal cultivation is a promising solution to convert this waste into valuable products. In this study, PPL was characterized and used to cultivate edible zygomycete Rhizopus oryzae, which is widely used in Southeast Asian cuisine to prepare e.g., tempeh. Moreover, it can be potentially used as a protein source in animal feed worldwide. Under the best conditions, 65.47 ± 2.91 g of fungal biomass per litre of PPL was obtained in airlift bioreactors. The total Kjeldahl nitrogen content of the biomass was above 70 g/kg dry biomass. The best results showed 51% reduction of COD and 98.7% reduction in the total sugar content of PPL.

Effect of Extraction Conditions on Pectin Yield Extracted from Sweet Potato Peels Residues Using Hydrochloric Acid

Pectins are complex polysaccharides obtained from higher plants which are structurally composed mainly of a-1, 4-linked-D-galacturonic acid (Gal A). Pectin has a good property of gelling, thickening and emulsification thus it is used widely in food and beverage industry. The applications of pectin in food industry are developing thus the demand of pectin is also increasing. Sweet potato residue is a potential local source of pectin. The peels of sweet potato are usually discarded prior to the consumption of the fruit. In Malaysia, starch industries and small local business are generating a lot of residual waste from sweet potato. Converting the waste into a value-added product such as pectin would bring great advantage in term of environmental concern and profit. Effects of extraction conditions such as extraction temperature (60 – 100 °C), extraction time (60 – 180 min) and solution pH (1 – 3) on the extraction yield of pectin (%) from sweet potato residues were investigated in this study. The extracting solvent used was hydrochloric acid. The highest yield was 2.59 % which was obtained at extraction temperature 90 °C, extraction time 60 min and solution pH 1.5. All three extraction conditions showed significant effect on the yield of pectin (%).

Extraction and Characterization of Nanocrystalline Cellulose from Cassava Bagasse

The objective of this study was to produce highly crystalline nanocellulose from cassava bagasse, which is a by-product from the cassava starch industry that contains 15 to 50 wt% cellulose fibers. For this purpose, the lignocellulosic fiber that was isolated from cassava bagasse was bleached with sodium chlorite and hydrolyzed with sulfuric acid. The obtained suspension was spray-dried and the resulting microparticles were characterized by X-ray diffractometry to determine the crystallinity index. Microcrystalline cellulose was subjected to the same processing conditions and considered as a reference. The crystallinity index of the nanocellulose extracted from the cassava bagasse was higher than the crystallinity index of the nanocellulose extracted from the microcrystalline cellulose; 84.1 and 78.7%, respectively. No other studies have reported cellulose nanocrystals from cassava bagasse with a high crystallinity index. The nanocrystalline cellulose produced in this study is very promising for use in innovative industrial applications.

Производство фруктозного сиропа из топинамбура кислотным способом

Топинамбур, или иерусалимский артишок (Helianthus tuberosus L.), — многолетнее растение родом из Северной Америки, культивируемое во многих странах, в том числе и в России, клубни которого содержат инулин. Ценное кормовое растение топинамбур широко применяют как пищевое и техническое, оно широко известно как источник фруктозы, которая значительно слаще других сахаров и для больных сахарным диабетом является наиболее предпочтительным типом используемых сахаров. В настоящее время в мировой практике большое значение приобрел новый продукт — фруктозный сироп, который вырабатывают из клубней топинамбура. Разработана технологическая схема производства фруктозного сиропа, вырабатываемого из клубней, гидролизом инулина соляной кислотой на базе оборудования крахмалопаточной промышленности. Такой способ получения сиропа сопровождается минимальными потерями при переработке сырья. Полученный сироп предназначен для использования в пищевой и кондитерской промышленности с целью замены сахара на фруктозу и может быть использован непосредственно в питании человека и для производства биологически активных добавок, при выработке кондитерских изделий и безалкогольных напитков, а также в производстве продуктов детского и диетического питания, поскольку фруктозу рекомендуют вводить в пищевой рацион людей пожилого возраста и с различными формами нарушения обмена веществ, в том числе страдающих сахарным диабетом. Предложенный способ получения сиропа является коммерчески выгодным, он сопровождается минимальными потерями при переработке сырья и основывается на существующем промышленном оборудовании крахмалопаточной промышленности.

Potato Pulp as the Peroxidase Source for 2,4-Dichlorophenol Removal

Recently it was reported that potato pulp, a side product of starch industry, is potentially applicable for the decontamination of phenol-polluted wastewater, due to its high peroxidase content. Regarding the toxicity and the persistence in the environment, the phenol is surpassed by its chlorinated derivatives, such as 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP). In this study we demonstrated that potato pulp may be used for the decontamination of 2,4-DCP solutions in a peroxidase-catalyzed reaction. Due to its peroxidase activity, potato pulp displayed a very high potential for 2,4-DCP removal, with the reaction’s efficiency reaching 98% under optimal conditions. The peroxidase activity towards 2,4-DCP was maintained over a wide temperature and pH range, and characterized by relatively low H2O2 demand, with respect to other peroxidase-based systems of 2,4-DCP removal. The toxicity of the post-reaction solutions was compared to the toxicity of the unreacted 2,4-DCP solutions using phytotest and the MTT test. The results of both tests proved that the 2,4-DCP toxicity was effectively alleviated if the pollutant was depleted from solution in the course of the incubation with potato pulp and H2O2.