Steady and Dynamic Shear Rheology of Rice Starch‐Galactomannan Mixtures

Rheological properties of rice starch‐galactomannan mixtures (5%, w/w) at different concentrations (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8%, w/w) of guar gum and locust bean gum (LBG) were investigated in steady and dynamic shear. Rice starch‐galactomannan mixtures showed high shear‐thinning flow behaviors with high Casson yield stress. Consistency index (K), apparent viscosity (η_a,100) and yield stress (σ_oc) increased with the increase in gum concentration. Over the temperature range of 20–65°C, the effect of temperature on apparent viscosity (η_a,100) was described by the Arrhenius equation. The activation energy values (E_a = 4.82–9.48 kJ/mol) of rice starch‐galactomannan mixtures (0.2–0.8% gum concentration) were much lower than that (E_a = 12.8 kJ/mol) of rice starch dispersion with no added gum. E_a values of rice starch‐LBG mixtures were lower in comparison to rice starch‐guar gum mixtures. Storage (G′) and loss (G′′) moduli of rice starch‐galactomannan mixtures increased with the increase in frequency (ω), while complex viscosity (η*) decreased. The magnitudes of G′ and G′′ increased with the increase in gum concentration. Dynamic rheological data of ln (G′, G′′) versus ln frequency (ω) of rice starch‐galactomannan mixtures have positive slopes with G′ greater than G′′ over most of the frequency range, indicating that their dynamic rheological behavior seems to be a weak gel‐like behavior.     

Dynamic Rheology of Rice Starch‐Galactomannan Mixtures in the Aging Process

The effect of galactomananns (guar gum and locust bean gum) at different concentrations (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8%, w/w) on the dynamic rheological properties of aqueous rice starch dispersions (5%, w/w) was investigated by small‐deformation oscillatory measurements during aging. Magnitudes of storage (G′) and loss (G′′) moduli measured at 4°C before aging increased with the increase in gum concentration in the range of 0.2–0.8%. G′ and G′′ values of rice starch‐locust bean gum (LBG) mixtures, in general, were higher than those of rice starch‐guar gum mixtures. G′ values of rice starch‐guar gum mixtures as a function of aging time (10 h) at 4°C increased rapidly at initial stage and then reached a plateau region at long aging times. However, G′ values of rice starch‐LBG mixtures increased steadily without showing a plateau region. Increasing the guar gum concentration resulted in an increase in plateau values. The rate constant (K) for structure development during aging was described by first‐order kinetics. K values in rice starch‐guar gum mixtures increased with the increase in guar gum concentration. G′ values of rice starch‐galactomannan mixtures after aging were greater than those before aging.     

Pasting Properties of Non‐waxy Rice Starch‐Hydrocolloid Mixtures

The swelling and pasting properties of non‐waxy rice starch‐hydrocolloid mixtures were investigated using commercial and laboratory‐generated hydrocolloids. The swelling power of the rice starch‐hydrocolloid mixtures was generally depressed at low concentration of hydrocolloids (0–0.05%), but increased directly with increasing hydrocolloid concentrations (0.05–0.1%). In gellan gum dispersion, the swelling power at 100°C was higher than that of control. The rice starch‐hydrocolloids mixtures showed shear‐thinning flow behavior (n = 0.26–0.49). Hydrocolloids except the exopolysaccharide from S. chungbukensis (EPS‐CB) increased apparent viscosity and consistency index (K) of rice starch dispersions, but decreased the n value. Hydrocolloids enhanced the trough and final viscosity of rice starch dispersions but EPS‐CB reduced the viscosity of rice starch pastes. Hydrocolloids lowered peak viscosity but addition of guar gum resulted in high peak viscosity, apparent viscosity, and consistency index of rice starch dispersions. Total setback viscosity appeared to be not affected by hydrocolloids at low concentration (0.05%). The hot and cold paste of the starch‐gellan gum mixture exhibited the highest viscosity values in the Brookfield viscometer.     

Rheological Properties of Rice Starch Dispersions in Dimethyl Sulfoxide

The steady and dynamic shear rheological properties of rice starches dispersed in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solution (90% DMSO‐10% water) were evaluated at various concentrations (7, 8, 9 and 10%, w/w). Rice starch dispersions in DMSO solution at 25°C showed a shear‐thinning flow behavior (n=0.44–0.60) and their consistency index (K) and apparent viscosity (η_a,100) increased with the increase in concentration. The apparent viscosity over the temperature range of 25–70°C obeyed the Arrhenius temperature relationship, indicating that the magnitudes of activation energy (E_a) were in the range of 11.7–12.7 kJ/mol. The Carreau model provided better fit on the shear rate‐apparent viscosity data than the Cross model. Dynamic frequency sweep test showed that both storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G′′) of rice starch dispersions increased with the increase in concentration. G′′ showed a higher dependence on frequency (ω) compared to G′ due to the higher G′′ slopes. All rice starch dispersions showed the plateau of G′ at high frequencies. Intrinsic viscosity of rice starch dispersions in DMSO was 104.1 mL/g.     

葛根淀粉糊流变学特性的研究

以葛根淀粉糊的动态及稳态流变特性为研究对象,以储存模量(G')、损耗模量(G")和表现黏度(η)为主要试验指标,利用旋转流变仪,研究淀粉浓度、氯化钠、蔗糖以及麦芽糊精对淀粉糊流变学特性的影响,旨在探究淀粉糊的弹性、黏性、表观黏度的变化,为葛根食品的工业生产提供一定理论依据。研究结果表明:葛根淀粉糊是典型的剪切变稀的非牛顿流体,其G'、G"及η均受这4种因素的影响。1)动态流变特性的研究结果显示,G'、G"与淀粉浓度呈正相关;随特定添加范围内的氯化钠、蔗糖以及麦芽糊精的添加量增加,G'、G"均有先升后降的趋势。2)稳态流变特性的研究结果显示,同一剪切速率下,η与淀粉浓度呈正相关,与麦芽糊精的添加量呈负相关;在特定添加范围内,氯化钠、蔗糖的添加量增加,η有先升后降的趋势。在工业生产中,葛根淀粉糊剪切稀化的行为有利于流动的淀粉糊充模成型,节省能耗。添加麦芽糊精会降低淀粉糊的弹性和黏性,而添加适量的氯化钠和蔗糖一定程度提高淀粉糊的弹性和黏性。     

Effect of Octenylsuccinylation on Rheological Properties of Corn Starch Pastes

Rheological properties of corn starch octenylsuccinate (OSA starch) pastes (5%, w/w), at different 1‐octenylsuccinic anhydride (OSA) contents (0, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5%, w/w) were evaluated in steady and dynamic shear. The OSA starch pastes had high shear‐thinning behaviors and their flow behaviors were described by power law, Casson, and Herschel‐Bulkley models. Magnitudes of consistency index (K, K_h) and yield stress (σ_oc, σ_h) increased with the increase in OSA content and the decrease in temperature. Over the temperature range of 10–50°C, the effect of temperature on apparent viscosity (η_a,100) was described by the Arrhenius equation. The activation energy values (E_a = 10.7–13.9 kJ/mol) of OSA starches were lower than that (E_a = 15.9 kJ/mol) of native starch. Dynamic frequency sweep test showed that both storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G′′) of OSA starch pastes increased with the increase in OSA content. Dynamic (η^*) and steady shear (η_a) viscosities of OSA starch pastes at various OSA contents did not follow the Cox‐Merz superposition rule.     

Synthesis and Preparation of Crosslinked Allylglycidyl Ether‐Modified Starch‐Wood Fibre Composites

Native potato starch has been modified with allylglycidyl ether (AGE) under various reaction conditions including different sodium hydroxide and AGE concentrations, reaction temperatures and times. ¹H‐NMR and FT‐IR were used to analyze the products. AGE‐modified starch, with two degrees of substitution (DS), namely DS = 1.3 and DS = 2.3, was synthesized and used for preparation of a new family of crosslinked composites reinforced with various amounts of bleached softwood fibres. Composite premixes of modified starch, wood fibres and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDA) were cured in a hot press using 2% (w/w) of benzoyl peroxide at 150°C under high pressure for 10 min. The matrix with high degree of substitution exhibited good processability and was easily processed even for the highest fibre contents, up to 70% (w/w). In addition, scanning electron micrographs showed good dispersion and adhesion between the starch matrix with high degree of substitution and fibre. The original poor mechanical properties of the cured modified starch were markedly improved by the addition of wood fibres. In the extractions tests cured high‐DS and low‐DS composite samples showed weight losses in the range of 1 and 15% (w/w), respectively. No unreacted crosslinker ethylene glycol dimethacrylate was detected in the solutes as determined by NMR.     

Rheological behaviors of hydroxypropylated sweet potato starches influenced by guar,locust bean,and xanthan gums

This study examined the steady flow and dynamic rheological behaviors of hydroxypropylated sweet potato starch (HPSPS) pastes mixed with guar gum (GG), locust bean gum (LBG), and xanthan gum (XG) at different concentrations (0, 0.3, and 0.6%). The HPSPS–gum mixtures had higher shear‐thinning fluid characteristics than the control (0% gum) at 25°C. The addition of the gums resulted in an increase in the consistency index (K) and apparent viscosity (η_a,100). The dynamic moduli (G′, G″) and complex viscosity (η*) values of the HPSPS–gum mixtures were higher than those of the control, and they increased with an increase in gum concentration. In particular, the presence of XG at 0.6% in the HPSPS–gum mixture systems gave rise to the greatest viscoelastic properties among the gums examined at different concentrations. The tan δ (ratio of G″/G′) values (0.35–0.57) of the HPSPS–GG and HPSPS–XG mixtures were much lower than those of the control (0.82) and HPSPS–LBG (0.88–1.06), indicating that the elastic properties in the HPSPS–gum mixture systems were strongly affected by the additions of GG and XG. These steady flow and dynamic rheological parameters indicated there were synergistic interactions between the HPSPS and gums. The synergistic effects of the gums and modified starch were hypothesized by considering the molecular incompatibility and molecular interactions between the gums and HPSPS.     

Structure‐Functionality Changes in Starch Following Rough Rice Storage

The molecular‐level features of starch in relation to the changes in rice functionality during storage are not yet fully elucidated. This work investigated the effects of rough rice storage conditions on starch fine structures and physicochemical properties. Dried rough rice samples (medium‐grain Bengal and long‐grain Cypress) were stored at 4, 21, and 38°C in temperature‐controlled chambers and then periodically removed and evaluated after 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 months. Flour (powdered head rice) and starch (extracted from head rice by alkali steeping) samples were evaluated for pasting and thermal properties. High‐performance size‐exclusion chromatography and high‐performance anion exchange chromatography were used to characterize starch molecular size and amylopectin chain‐length distribution, respectively. Significant changes in starch fine structure were observed primarily on the 38°C lots, and to some extent on the 21°C lots. The decreased amylose: amylopectin ratio, shortened amylopectin average chain length, and the shift in chain‐length distribution to shorter branch chains were implicative of molecular‐level starch degradation. The flour and starch samples showed inconsistent trends in pasting and thermal properties, thus suggesting the role of not only starch but also its interaction with non‐starch components in rice aging.     

Dynamic Rheological and Thermal Properties of Acetylated Sweet Potato Starch

Dynamic rheological and thermal properties of acetylated sweet potato starch (SPS) pastes (5%, w/w) were evaluated as a function of the degree of substitution (DS). The transition temperatures (T_o, T_p and T_c) and enthalpy of gelatinization (ΔH) of acetylated SPS, which were determined using differential scanning calorimetry, were lower than those of native starch, and significantly decreased with an increase in DS. Magnitudes of storage modulus (G′), loss modulus (G′′) and complex viscosity (η*) of acetylated SPS pastes were determined using a small‐deformation oscillatory rheometer. Dynamic moduli (G′, G′′ and η*) values of acetylated SPS pastes except for 0.123 DS were higher than those of native starch, and they also decreased with an increase in DS. The tan δ (ratio of G′′/G′) values (0.37–0.39) of acetylated SPS samples were lower than that (0.44) of native starch and no significant differences were found among acetylated SPS samples, indicating that the elastic properties of SPS pastes were affected by acetylation but did not depend on DS. The G′ values of acetylated SPS during aging at 4°C for 10 h were much lower than those of native starch, showing that the addition of acetyl groups produced a pronounced effect on the retrogradation properties of SPS.     

Effect of Molar Substitution on Rheological Properties of Hydroxypropylated Rice Starch Pastes

The steady and dynamic shear rheological properties of hydroxypropylated rice starch pastes (5%, w/w) were evaluated at different molar substitution (MS, 0.030‐0.142). The swelling power (35.5‐52.8 g/g) and solubility (8.19‐10.7%) values of the hydroxyproylated rice starches were higher than those of native rice starch (26.6 g/g and 7.78%) and increased with an increase in MS. The hydroxypropylated starch pastes at 25°C showed a pronounced shear‐thinning behavior (n = 0.33‐0.40) with Casson yield stress (σ_oc = 15.9‐31.7 Pa). The consistency index (K) and yield stress (σ_oc) values of the hydroxypropylated starch pastes were lower than those of the native starch, and increased progressively with an increase in MS. The apparent viscosity (η_a,500) obeyed the Arrhenius temperature relationship over the temperature range of 10‐55°C; the activation energies (E_a) of the hydroxypropylated starch pastes were in the range of 14.8‐18.5 kJ/mol, i.e. higher than that (14.1 kJ/mol) of the native starch. Storage (G′) and loss moduli (G′′) of hydroxypropylated starch pastes increased with an increase in MS, while tan δ (G′′/G′) values decreased, indicating that G′ rose more strongly than G′′ with increased MS.     

Variations in Dextrose Equivalent and Dynamic Rheology of Dextrin Obtained by Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Edible Canna Starch

We aimed to evaluate the dextrose equivalent and the dynamic rheological parameters of dextrin obtained by hydrolysis of edible canna starch by using α-amylase enzyme. We found that the dextrose equivalent value and dynamic rheological properties, as presented by storage and loss modulus (G? and G″) values, varied with the incubation time (1, 3, and 5 h) and α-amylase concentration (0.03, 0.04, 0.05, and 0.06% w/w). Increase in the incubation time and α-amylase concentration increased the dextrose equivalent from 9.0 ± 0.2 to 21.3 ± 1.9 and decreased the storage modulus (G′) from 3747.4 to 18.0 Pa and the loss modulus (G″) from 659.4 to 5.5 Pa at 25°C. Meanwhile, G′ decreased from 27781.0 Pa to 11313.1 Pa and G″ decreased from 6647.2 Pa to 1826.4 Pa at 95°C.     

Steady and Dynamic Shear Rheology of Fucoidan‐Buckwheat Starch Mixtures

Rheological properties of fucoidan (F) and buckwheat starch (B) mixtures (3% or 6%) at different blending ratios of fucoidans (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5 and 1.0%) were investigated in steady and dynamic shear. Steady shear viscosity measurement revealed that aqueous pastes of the BF blends (3%, w/v) had a pseudoplastic and shear‐thinning behavior with flow behavior index (n) values of 0.61–0.68. The substitution of starch with fucoidan polymers significantly lowered the apparent viscosities compared with the pure starch paste and, when mixed with less than 0.5% of fucoidan, the viscosities of the pastes were even lower than those of the starch pastes at the corresponding starch concentrations. According to dynamic viscoelastic measurement performed at 6% total carbohydrate concentration, buckwheat starch mixtures behaved like weak gels and the BF blends containing less than 0.5% fucoidan had considerably lower storage (G') and loss (G') moduli than the starch paste at the corresponding starch concentrations. However, the magnitude of G' increased with fucoidan concentrations over 0.5%, suggesting that a concentration of fucoidans > 0.5% might enhance the formations of three‐dimensional networks and crosslinking of the starch samples, probably because of the mutual exclusion between starch and fucoidan polymers through the phase separation process. This study indicates that it is possible to obtain the BF blends having various rheological properties by changing the concentration of fucoidan polymers.     

Effects of cross‐linking on the rheological and thermal properties of sweet potato starch

Sweet potato starches were modified with three different concentrations of phosphorus oxychloride (POCl₃) (0.01, 0.02, and 0.03%, based on dry weight of starch) as a cross‐linking agent. The effects of crosslinking on rheological and thermal properties of sweet potato starch (SPS) pastes were evaluated. Cross‐linking considerably reduced the swelling power, consistency index (K), apparent viscosity (η_a), and yield stress (σ_oc) values of SPS, which significantly decreased with increase in POCl₃ concentration. The gelatinization temperature (T_p) and enthalpy (ΔH) values of the cross‐linked SPS, which were determined using differential scanning calorimetry, were higher than those of native SPS. Storage modulus (G′), loss modulus (G″), and complex viscosity (η*) of the cross‐linked SPS pastes determined using small deformation oscillatory rheometry, were higher than native starch, and they also decreased with increase in POCl₃ concentration from 0.01 to 0.03%. The tan δ (ratio of G″/G′) values (0.15–0.19) of the cross‐linked SPS samples were much lower than that (0.37) of the native SPS, indicating that the elastic properties of the SPS pastes were strongly influenced by modifications from cross‐linking. Finally, Cox–Merz plots showed that η* was much higher than η_a for the cross‐linked SPS pastes.     

Microbial Starch‐Converting Enzymes: Recent Insights and Perspectives

Starch is an abundant, natural, renewable resource, and present as the major storage carbohydrate in the seeds, roots, or tubers of many important food crops, such as maize, wheat, rice, potato, and cassava. Uses of native starches in most industrial applications are limited by their inherent properties. Hence, they are often structurally modified after isolation to enhance desirable attributes, to minimize undesirable attributes, or to create new attributes. Enzymatic, rather than chemical, approaches are used in the production of starch syrups, maltodextrins, and cyclodextrins. However, the desire for starch‐active enzymes working optimally at high temperatures and low pH conditions with superior stability and activity is still not satisfied and this stimulates interest in developing novel and improved starch‐active enzymes through a variety of strategies. This review provides current information on enzymes belonging to GH13, 57, 70, and 77 that can be used in structural modifications of the starch polysaccharides or to produce starch‐derived products from them. The characteristics and catalytic mechanisms of microbial enzymes are discussed (including 4‐α‐glucanotransferase, branching enzyme, maltogenic amylase, cyclomaltodextrinase, amylosucrase, and glucansucrase). Product diversity after starch‐converting reaction and utilization in industrial applications are also dealt with.     

Structures and Physicochemical Properties of Acid‐Thinned Corn,Potato and Rice Starches

The structures and physicochemical properties of acid‐thinned corn, potato, and rice starches were investigated. Corn, potato, and rice starches were hydrolyzed with 0.14 N hydrochloric acid at 50 °C until reaching a target pasting peak of 200—300 Brabender Units (BU) at 10% solids in the Brabender Visco Amylograph. After acid modification the amylose content decreased slightly and all starches retained their native crystallinity pattern. Acid primarily attacked the amorphous regions within the starch granule and both amylose and amylopectin were hydrolyzed simultaneously by acid. Acid modification decreased the longer chain fraction and increased the shorter chain fraction of corn and rice starches but increased the longer chain fraction and decreased the shorter chain fraction of potato starch, as measured by high‐performance size‐exclusion chromatography. Acid‐thinned potato starches produced much firmer gels than did acid‐thinned corn and rice starches, possibly due to potato starch's relatively higher percentage of long branch chains (degree of polymerization 13—24) in amylopectin. The short‐term development of gel structure by acid‐thinned starches was dependent on amylose content, whereas the long‐term gel strength appeared dependend on the long branch chains in amylopectin.     

Microwave‐accelerated Synthesis and Characterization of Potato Starch‐g‐poly(acrylamide)

Using a very low concentration of potassium persulfate as initiator, acrylamide could be efficiently grafted onto potato starch under microwave irradiation and for the grafting O₂ removal from the reaction vessel was not required. Under optimal conditions, grafting and efficiency observed were 160% and 89%, respectively. Grafted starch was characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). It was observed that the microwave irradiation could significantly accelerate the synthesis of starch‐graft‐poly(acrylamide), because under identical conditions no grafting was observed in a conventional procedure. Viscosity, shear stability and water/saline solution retention of the microwave‐synthesized grafted starch were studied and compared with that of the parent starch.     

Rheological Characteristics of Different Tropical Root Starches

The rheological properties of starch extracted from ten different species of tropical tuber crops were examined using a Bohlin rheometer. Suspensions with starch concentrations of 3, 4 and 5% were gelatinised at 75°C and fed into the rheometer cup. A C 25 measuring system was used and the heating rate was 1.5°C/min, heating schedule 75‐95ºC, holding at 95°C for 600 s, cooling to 35°C at 1.5ºC/min, holding for 3600 s. For strain sweep tests, the range of strain used was 0‐0.2% and the temperature of test was 35ºC. The data on viscosity, storage modulus (G′) and phase angle were obtained from the rheograms. The results indicated variability in the various properties of the different starches. However the results did not follow a definite trend. The viscosity of Colocasia starch was low while Canna edulis and yam starches had high viscosities. The storage modulus was also highest for Canna starch (70‐93 Pa) for 5% and gel strength was comparatively high for Canna edulis, Dioscorea esculenta and D. rotundata starches. The phase angle values followed the pattern of G′ and all the starch pastes were found to be elastic in nature at higher concentration. The wide variability in rheological properties can be useful in different applications of tuber starches.     

Gelatinization and pasting properties of rice starch modified with 2‐octen–1‐ylsuccinic anhydride

Rice starch was modified with various levels of 2‐octen‐1‐ylsuccinic anhydride (OSA). Treatments with OSA at 3, 5, and 10% resulted in starch derivatives with 0.016, 0.033, and 0.070 degrees of substitution (DS( respectively. Thermovisco properties of the derivatives were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and rapid visco analysis (RVA). Water content in the sample was found to have a significant effect on the characteristics of the DSC endotherm. Pasting properties of the OSA‐starch and the effect of pH and salt on the RVA profiles were also studied. In general, with increased OSA‐modification, the starch derivatives swelled and gelatinized at lower temperatures to achieve higher viscosities. Specifically, based on DSC analysis at 80% water, the peak temperature of gelatinization decreased from 68.5 to 63.2°C as the OSA modification increased in DS from 0 (intact starch) to 0.070. On the other hand, RVA results indicate that, for samples undergoing similar increase in OSA modification, the pasting temperature decreased from 88.7 to 51.5°C and the peak viscosity increased from 668 to 6822 cP.