Studies on the Functional Characteristics and Digestibility of Starches from Phaseolus vulgaris Biotypes

The functional properties of starches from black bean, kidney bean, navy bean, northern bean and pinto bean, all biotypes of Phaseolus vulgaris, were examined. Starch granule sizes ranged from 22 – 39 μm (length) to 19 – 28 μm (width) and shapes varied from elliptical to oval. Amylose content ranged from 30.2 – 37.3%. A highly ordered crystalline structure of granules (Ca) was suggested by restricted swelling power and solubility, resistance to α-amylase attack, high gelatinization temperature and stable amylographic viscosities. Moreover, the existence of a crystalline structure of the highest and lowest order of stability among the Phaseolus starches was indicated for pinto bean and black bean, respectively, which were substantially different than those of kidney, northern and navy bean. The higher stability of pinto bean starch indicated a higher degree of associative bonding forces, namely, hydrogen and covalent, between oxygen and hydrogen atoms of closely packed parallel amylose chains. The wide range in amylographic viscosities was a reflection of crystalline stability, amylose exudation, granule swelling and pH of slurry. Gels exhibited a higher degree of retrogradation at +4 °C than at – 15 °C. Scanning electron microscopy showed that α-amylase-treated corn starch granules were degraded from the inside out by the formation of large circular holes, whereas those of kidney bean were less extensively degraded and showed only scaling and roughening of the surface as evidence of granule deterioration.     

Jack-Bean Starch. 1. Properties of the Granules and of the Pastes

Jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) starch is composed of granules measuring up to 37 micra. Gelatinization temperatures of the granules range from 67.5 to 78 °C. Its pastes, in concentrations up to 6 % did not show swelling peak which appears only in high concentrations. They are very stable during stirring, both at low and high temperatures. They are also more resistant to α-amylase bacterial action than those of corn starch. The results, both for granules and pastes of this starch, show a great resemblance with the same data for guandu bean.     

Isolation and Partial Characterization of Black Gram (Phaseolus mungo L) Starch

Black gram (Phaseolus mungo L.) starch was isolated. The starch yield was 45% on flour weight basis. Starch granule size ranged from 7.5–28.5 μm (length) to 7.5–27.0 μm (width). Hylum length ranged from 25–100% of the starch granule length. Amylose content of starch was 26.65% (starch basis). Gelatinization temperature range for the starch was 71.5–74.0°C. Unlike several legume starches, black gram starch had a peak viscosity as indicated by Brabender Viscoamylograph. The starch viscosity was dependent on pH and ionic strength. The raw as well as cooked starch was resistant to hog pancreatic α-amylase hydrolysis in vitro.     

α-AMYLASE IN DEVELOPING BARLEY KERNELS — A REAPPRAISAL1

The outer layers that can be dissected readily from immature barley kernels were identified by light microscopy. α-Amylase was located in the outer pericarp of developing Bonanza and Himalaya barley. Only low pl α-amylase (α-amylase 1) was detected in the pericarps but only one of the two major low pl components of α-amylase from germinated Himalaya was found in the pericarp tissue. These enzymes appeared to hydrolyze the small starch granules (2–3 μm) present in the outer pericarp of developing barley kernels. The even smaller starch granules (0.25–2μm) present in the inner pericarp were hydrolyzed at a later stage of kernel development.     

ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF LIMA BEAN (PHASEOLUS LUNATUS) STARCH

Starch from large lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus) was isolated and some of the important characteristics determined. The yield of starch was 22% on a whole seed basis. The shape of the starch granules was round to oval to elliptical, with granules 15–36 μm diameter. Scanning electron micrographs revealed presence of smooth surfaces. Gelatinization temperature range was 70–75–80°C and amylose content was 34.5%. The starch exhibited high single stage swelling and moderate solubility in water. The x-ray diffraction pattern was of the C-type. The viscoamylographic examination on starch paste (6%, w/v) showed the absence of a peak viscosity, a high 95°C viscosity (700 BU) and a breakdown in consistency (60 BU) during the 95°C holding cycle. Scanning electron microscopy showed that native starch granules were very resistant to attack by porcine pancreatic α-amylase. However, defatting slightly increased the extent of hydrolysis. The gel showed poor stability towards refrigerated storage and freeze-thaw cycling. The starch granules were highly resistant to acidic hydrolysis.     

The Structure of Waxy Corn Starch: Effect of Granule Size

The granules of waxy corn starch were isolated and various samples were separated by size and classified according to their average diameter in: non-separated granules (N), granules with diameter < 15 μm (S) and granules with diameter ≥ 15 μm (L). The samples were hydrolyzed by bacterial α-amylase and fungal amyloglucosidase. The starch granules remaining after enzymatic hydrolysis were analysed by X-ray diffraction and optical and scanning electron microscopy. Sephadex G-50 gel permeation chromatography of the dissolved residues from the hydrolysis of the N and S samples was performed directly and after successive enzymatic digestion with pullulanase and β-amylase. The results showed that the percentage of hydrolysis increased with a decrease in diameter. No apparent differences in waxy corn starch when observed under light and scanning electronic microscope were observed, regardless of diameter and enzyme action, although both large and small granules showed extensive surface corrosion after enzymatic attack. X-ray analysis suggested a decrease in the quantity of crystalline areas in the smaller granules, which would explain the high percentage of hydrolysis evidenced by these granules. The elution patterns of the α-glucans of both starches (N and S) were similar and reveled the presence of two fractions which were not susceptible to α-amylase and amyloglucosidase attack suggesting that these fractions were involved in the waxy corn starch crystalline regions. Debranching with pullulanase followed by gel-permeation chromatography showed that the amylopectins from the starch granules studied contained three groups of unit chains instead of the two reported in the literature.     

Screening of α-Amylase Suitable for Evaluating the Degree of Starch Retrogradation

To estimate the degrees of starch retrogradation in the complex foods, an enzymatic method using α-amylase from Bacillus subtilis was proposed in the previous report (Tsuge, H. et al.: Starch/Stärke 42 (1990), 213–216). However, actual digestibility of the enzyme for the native starch granules was not checked at that time. A comparative study to see the digestibility of native starch granules was carried out using four different α-amylase preparations and digestion of retrograded wheat starch was tested by two α-amylase preparations. Pancreas α-amylase preparation digested some native starch granules to a great extent, while Aspergillus oryzae enzyme did not digest native starch granules virtually. In conclusion, α-amylase preparation from A. oryzae was an ideal enzyme as the tool to distinguish between raw and gelatinized starches. It was justified for the use of A. oryzae enzyme as well as B. subtilis α-amylase to evaluate the retrograded starch contents in the complex foods.     

Labeling of Starch Granules by Bombardment with Tritium Atoms

Starch granules were labeled by exposure to tritium atoms produced by thermal dissociation of tritium gas at a tungsten filament. Activity was shown by α-amylase etching experiments to be confined to the surface of the granule. Dextrins and low molecular weight compounds could be partially resolved on Sephadex G-75. The dextrin produced during tritiation had an elution volume corresponding to dextrin of 20–35 glucose units and was hydrolyzeable by α-amylase. Labeled starch was hydrolyzed first with ß-amylase and the limit dextrin hydrolyzed further with α-amylase. A comparison of the specific activities of the maltoses produced by the two enzymes demonstrated that labeling was more heavily concentrated in outer brunches than in inner branches. Amylose obtained from labeled potato starch was purified by crystallization and on DEAE-Sephadex columns. The ion-exchange purified potato amylose was hydrolyzed with ß-amylase with 50% of the activity retained in maltose. Tritium was found to be concentrated at the nonreducing ends of the amylose molecules. These results suggest that starch molecules are organized in granules with nonreducing ends oriented to the surface.     

Effects of Germination of Wheat,Oats, and Pearl Millet on Alpha-Amylase Activity and Starch Degradation

Hard red winter wheat, oats, and pearl millet were germinated at 15°C for periods up to 14 days. Endosperm areas in kernels fractured with a razor blade and starches isolated from the malted flours were examined with a scanning electron microscope to determine the morphology of starch granules and the nature of α-amylolytic attack on granules. Free sugars content, damaged starch content, and α-amylase activity of the flours were determined to establish relationships between physical changes in the cereal grains and formation of α-amylase during germination. Starch granules in the three cereals were degraded during germination by α-amylase accompanied by production of free sugars and increases in the damaged starch of flours milled from the germinated grains. The cementing material embedding starch granules in endosperms of wheat and oats decreased and disappeared during germination; these changes were not obvious in germinated millet endosperm. Amorphous-appearing material seemed to cover starch granules in the endosperm of wheat and oats during later stages of germination, but were not observed in the isolated starch granules. Although wheat starch granules had the highest α-amylase activity, this enzymic degradation was less than expected. Enzymic attack was evidenced as channels or pits on the surfaces of wheat and millet starch granules. Compound oat starch granules were relatively resistant to enzymic attack and no evidence of erosion of the granule surface was observed; small granula were released from the compound granules during germination. The most extensive degradation was obtained with millet starch, appearing as discrete holes leading to the interior of the granule. Concentric shells were visible in the interior of wheat and millet starch granules, but were not observed in oat starch granules.     

Studies on Physicochemical,Pasting Characteristics and Amylolytic Susceptibility of Starch from Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) Grains

Preparation, physicochemical properties, pasting behavior and amylolytic susceptibility of sorghum starch have been investigated. The yield of starch was about 60.25%, on whole grain basis. The starch exhibited double stage swelling and low solubility pattern in an aqueous system. Viscoamylographic studies on pasting behaviour of the starch revealed a peak viscosity of 800 B. U. at 8% (w/v) concentration; however, it decreased considerably during cooking (viz. holding period of 30 min at 93°C). The amylose content of the starch was 23.45%. The gelatinization temperature range was found to be 68.5–72.5–78.5°C. The results indicated that the native starch hydrolyzed to a limited extent by human salivary α-amylase and glucoamylase as compared to gelatinized starch. In addition, the mode of attack by amylolytic enzymes on the native starch granules viewed by SEM has been studied in detail.     

The Reactivity of Porcine Pancreatic alpha-Amylase Towards Native,Defatted and Heat-moisture Treated Potato Starches Before and After Hydroxypropylation

Potato starch was defatted (hot 75% n-propanol) and heat-moisture treated (100°C, 30% moisture) for various time intervals. The results showed that the above treatments increased the susceptibility of potato starch granules (heat-moisture treated > defatted) towards hydrolysis by porcine pancreatic α-amylase. These differences can be accounted for by the structural changes that occur within the amorphous and crystalline regions of the starch granule during defatting and heat-moisture treatment. Native, defatted (7 h) and heat-moisture treated (100°C, 30% moisture, 16 h) potato starches were hydroxypropylated (to different levels of molar substitution [MS]) with propylene oxide (2 → 20 %). The results showed that the alkaline reagents (NaOH and Na₂SO₄) used during hydroxypropylation increased the susceptibility of the above starches (native > defatted > heat-moisture treated) towards hydrolysis by α-amylase. Addition of propylene oxide to alkali treated starches, further enhanced their susceptibility, towards α-amylase. However, granule susceptibility towards α-amylase did not increase exponentially with increase in MS. The extent of hydrolysis began to decrease at MS levels of 0.29 (native), 0.28 (heat-moisture treated) and 0,26 (defatted).     

The nutraceutical value of grain legumes: characterisation of bioactives and antinutritionals related to diabesity management

Beyond the nutritional value, legumes and particularly common beans are found in several dietary supplements used to treat diabesity (diabetes and obesity). These products contain not only inhibitors of carbohydrate-hydrolising enzymes (α-amylase, α-glucosidase), but also antinutritional factors that can cause adverse effects on human health. In the present research, twenty-two accessions of grain legumes were screened for bioactive (α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors) and antinutritional (lectins, flatulence-producing sugars, trypsin inhibitors) phytochemicals. Results showed that four accessions had high α-amylase inhibiting activities (AI > 30%), and particularly the common bean ‘Great Northern’ resulted of interest for its high carbo-blocker activity (AI = 42.6 ± 0.5%), absence of lectins, low amounts of flatulence-producing oligosaccharides (2.5 ± 0.2 g/100 g DW) and low anti-trypsin activity (22.5 ± 4.3 trypsin inhibiting unit/mg DW). The knowledge offered from this work provides leads to the ultimate goal of developing new, more effective and safer dietary supplements for diabesity management.     

Characteristics of Canaryseed (Phalaris canariensis L.) Starch

Canaryseed starches from three locations were isolated by an alkali steeping process and evaluated for their chemical, pasting and structural properties by amylograph, scanning electron microscope (SEM), differential scanning calorimeter, X-ray diffractometer and image analysis, in comparison with isolated wheat starch. The average yield of canaryseed starch was 50 ± 2.9g starch per 100g of groat with a mean extraction efficiency of 77%. The starch isolates contained from 93 to 97% starch with amylose contents ranging from 16 to 22%. Canaryseed starch was uniform in appearance, being small polygonal granules having an average diameter of 2.0 μm. The granules were stable when subjected to shear and heat effects as indicated by visco/amylograph response and SEM-photomicrographs. The transition temperatures (peak and conclusion) and enthalpy of gelatinization of canaryseed starch were higher than those of wheat starch. Canaryseed starch showed major peaks around d-spacings of 5.9, 5.2, 4.8 and 3.8 Å similar to wheat starch which are characteristics of an A-type starch. Canaryseed starch was also more susceptible to α-amylase hydrolysis and more soluble in dimethyl sulfoxide as compared with wheat starch. Based on its ease of extraction and functional properties, canaryseed starch could have potential for food and non-food uses.     

Hydrothermische Behandlung von Stärke in Gegenwart von α-Amylase. Teil 3. Veränderung der rheologischen Eigenschaften von Weizenstärke durch hydrothermisch-enzymatische Behandlung

Hydrothermal Treatment of Starch in Presence of α-Amylase. Part 3: Changes of Rheological Properties of Wheat Starch by Hydrothermal Enzymatic Treatment . In order to change functional properties of wheat starch the feasibility for a hydrothermal enzymatic modification under conditions of excess water (annealing) has been tested. The granular structure of the starch should remain unchanged at the same time. Since wheat starch may be changed negligiblely at usual conditions of annealing (T=50°C) as a consequence of its rather low swelling temperature a bacterial α-amylase has been used for partial degradation of these portions of starch granules which gelatinize irreversiblely at higher levels of annealing temperatures. The resulting spectrum of saccharides consisting mainly of maltose (approx. 50%) allows the protection of the wheat starch matrix even at higher annealing temperatures (54°C). However, the gelatinization and gelation behaviour is changed in a characteristic way, in particular by a serious increase of the hot paste consistency at 95°C. In the following, the obtained consistency collapses significantly and arrives by cooling a level below the corresponding figures of the native starch. With respect to yield of annealed starch the reaction time at elevated temperature is of main importance. In order to demonstrate the protecting activity of the produced saccharides in particular with higher concentrations of maltose samples have been annealed in maltose sirups of varied concentration (6, 12, 25%m/m). Up to concentrations of 12%m/m and reaction temperatures of 50°C the Brabender consistency curves could be raised by 300 to 500BU. The application of 54°C limited the effect of modification. Using a 25%m/m maltose syrup allowed, of course, successfully the annealing at 54°C. As expected, yield losses remained low (< 10%). In applying a temperature-time-regime by steps together with a treatment by α-Amylase or alternatively 25%m/m maltose syrup the expected shifting of consistency curves could be observed as well, however, to a limited amount. Finally, pronounced differences could be found for the yield of modified starches.     

Some Properties and Degradability of Isolated Starch Granules

Starch granules of 11 starchy feedstuffs were isolated. An isolation procedure is presented. The procedure did not damage the starch granules, as could be proven by scanning electron microscopy. The starch granules were nearly completely defatted by the procedure and only about 0.5% of the original protein remained in the starch, except for rice starch. The content of apparent and real amylose was measured in the isolated starch granules. Degradability of raw materials and isolated starch granules was determined with α-amylase and rumen fluid. Starch of tapioca and rice was relatively easy to degrade by α-amylase and rumen fluid, while potato starch was relatively difficult to degrade by α-amylase. Starches containing a low amount of amylose were found to degrade faster than starches containing a high amount of amylose.     

Isolation of Velvet Bean (Mucuna pruriens) Starch: Physicochemical and Functional Properties

The velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) is an excellent potential starch source as it contains approximately 52 % of this carbohydrate. The physicochemical and functional properties of velvet bean starch were evaluated and compared to those of other starches. The chemical composition was: moisture 10.78 %; solid matter: protein 0.71 %; fiber 0.54 %; ash 0.28 %; fat 0.40 %; starch 98.1 %; and phosphorus 0.015 %. Amylose content was higher (39.21 %) than in tuber and cereal starches but similar to other legume starches. Average granule size was 23.6 μm, granules having an oval shape. Paste properties were: gelatinization temperature, 74.82 °C; gelatinization temperature range, 70—80 °C; and alkali number, 3.22. Gels produced with velvet bean starch were firmer than those produced with corn starch, and had a higher degree of retrogradation, even at high concentrations. At 90 °C, solubility was 16.2 % and swelling power was 16.17 g of water/g of starch. Given these properties, velvet bean starch has potential applications in food products requiring high temperature processing, such as jams, jellies and canned products.     

Physicochemical Properties of Ginkgo Kernal Starch

Native starch was isolated from ginkgo kernels, its physicochemical properties were investigated using some physical methods. Ginkgo starch granules were mostly oval in shape with a central Maltese cross and average long axis of 11 μm. Ginkgo starch contained 29.9% amylose content and exhibited an A-type crystallinity with 27.2% crystalline degree. Ginkgo starch had significantly higher gelatinization conclusion temperature, temperature range, and enthalpy than potato and rice starches. Ginkgo starch showed lower hot viscosity and higher breakdown viscosity than potato and rice starches. Ginkgo starch possessed markedly higher swelling power and resistance to α-amylase and amyloglucosidase hydrolysis than rice starch.     

Physicochemical characterization of mung bean starch

Starch from mung bean (Vigna radiata) was isolated and some of the important characteristics determined. The yield of starch was 31.1% on a whole-seed basis. The shape of the starch granule was oval to round to bean shaped, with granules 7–26 μm in diameter. Scanning electron micrographs revealed the presence of smooth surfaces. The gelatinization temperature range was 58–67–82°C and the enthalpy of gelatinization was 18.5 J/g. The total amylose content was 45.3%, of which 12.1% was complexed by native lipids. The X-ray diffraction pattern was of the ‘C’ type and the X-ray intensities were much stronger than in other legume starches. The starch exhibited a high swelling factor ( 43.6 at 95°C) in water. The viscoamylographic examination of the starch paste (6% w/v) showed the absence of a peak viscosity, a low 95°C viscosity [200 Brabender units (BU)], an increase in consistency ( 140 BU) during the holding cycle at 95°C and a set-back of 220 BU. Native granules were readily hydrolyzed by porcine pancreatic α-amylase (76.4% in 72 h). Retrogradation of mung bean starch (as measured by changes in syneresis, gel strength, enthalpy and X-ray diffraction intensities) appeared to be more severe than in other legume starches.     

Effects of Germination on Proteins, Raffinose Oligosaccharides, and Antinutritional Factors in the Great Northern Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

During 5 day germination, the major reserve proteins of the Great Northern bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were substantially hydrolyzed. In vitro trypsin digestion of the extracted proteins up to 4 hr at 37°C indicated that the major storage proteins in germinated and the ungerminated seeds, although substantially hydrolyzed, could not be completely degraded. In vitro susceptibility of the extracted proteins was improved on moist heat treatment (97°C, 30 min). A substantial increase in soluble essential amino acids occurred during germination. Highest decrease in stachyose + raffimose (76.40%) was observed at the end of the third day of germination. Trypsin, chymotrypsin, and α-amylase inhibitory activities and phytic acid were reduced respectively by 62.9, 73.4, 67.1, and 57.8% after 5 days of germination.     

加酶挤压对小麦淀粉结构和理化性质的影响

本文旨在探究加酶挤压对小麦淀粉结构和理化性质的影响。分别设置浓度梯度为0%、0.1%、0.2%、0.5%、1%、2%的α-淀粉酶-小麦淀粉混合物样品,挤压处理后,利用扫描电镜（SEM）、差示扫描量热仪（DSC）、X-射线衍射仪（XRD）、快速粘度仪（RVA）等分析淀粉结构与理化性质的变化。结果表明:各处理组的堆积密度无显著差异（P>0.05）;吸水指数与加酶量呈负相关,水合指数与加酶量呈正相关;挤压后淀粉糊化度均大幅度提高,接近完全糊化;挤压后淀粉的颗粒结构被完全破坏且加酶使得淀粉颗粒粒径更小;加酶挤压处理后相对结晶度降低,从原淀粉的17.52%降至10.29%（酶浓度2%）;挤压处理后小麦淀粉的糊化焓均显著下降（P<0.05）,挤压淀粉样品焓值最低,仅为0.24 J/g,加酶挤压淀粉的焓值高于挤压淀粉,随着加酶量的增加,淀粉的焓值上升至2.5 J/g左右;RVA曲线可明显看出处理组的粘度远低于原淀粉粘度,且加酶挤压样品粘度低于不加酶挤压粘度。本文探明了加酶挤压对淀粉结构和理化性质的作用规律,可为加酶挤压技术在淀粉基食品领域的应用提供理论指导。