Microencapsulation of β‐carotene using native pinhão starch,modified pinhão starch and gelatin by freeze‐drying

Beta‐carotene was microencapsulated by freeze‐drying using native pinhão starch, hydrolysed pinhão starch 6 dextrose equivalent (DE), hydrolysed pinhão starch 12 DE and the mixture of these materials with gelatin as coating material. The purpose of this research was to produce and characterize these microcapsules. The capsules’ efficiency, surface content, moisture, morphology, solubility, particle size and glass transition temperature were analysed. The hydrolysed pinhão starch 12 DE showed the highest total β‐carotene content and the lowest surface β‐carotene content, unlike the native starch. Using scanning electron microscopy, it was observed that all microcapsules presented undefined shapes. The samples with gelatin had wider particle size distribution, higher diameters, lower solubility and higher glass transition temperature when compared with other the samples. Results obtained suggest that the modified pinhão starch can be considered as potential wall material for encapsulation of β‐carotene.     

Physicochemical,crystallinity, pasting and thermal properties of heat‐moisture‐treated pinhão starch

The effect of heat‐moisture treatment (HMT) on the properties of pinhão starches under different moisture and heat conditions was investigated. The starches were adjusted to 15, 20 and 25% moisture levels and heated to 100, 110 and 120°C for 1 h. The X‐ray diffractograms, swelling power, solubility, gel hardness, pasting properties and thermal properties of the native and HMT pinhão starches were evaluated. Compared to native starch, there was an increase in the X‐ray intensity and gel hardness of HMT starches, with the exception of the 25% moisture‐treated and 120°C heat‐treated starch. HMT reduced the swelling power and solubility of the pinhão starches when compared to native starch. There was an increase in the pasting temperature, final viscosity and setback and a decrease in the peak viscosity and breakdown of HMT pinhão starches compared to native starch. HMT increases the gelatinisation temperature of native pinhão starch and reduces gelatinisation enthalpy.     

Molecular structure and granule morphology of native and heat‐moisture‐treated pinhão starch

Pinhão seed is an unconventional source of starch and the pines grow up in native forests of southern Latin America. In this study, pinhão starch was adjusted at 15, 20 and 25% moisture content and heated to 100, 110 and 120 °C for 1 h. A decrease in λ max (starch/iodine complex) was observed as a result of increase in temperature and moisture content of HMT. The ratio of crystalline to amorphous phase in pinhão starch was determined via Fourier transform infra red by taking 1045/1022 band ratio. A decrease in crystallinity occurred as a result of HMT. Polarised light microscopy indicated a loss of birefringence of starch granules under 120 °C at 25% moisture content. Granule size distribution was further confirmed via scanning electron microscopy which showed the HMT effects. These results increased the understanding on molecular and structural properties of HMT pinhão starch and broadened its food and nonfood industrial applications.     

Characterization of Pinhão Starch. Part I. Extraction and Properties of the Starch Granules

The starch fraction of Pinhão, the seeds of Pinheiro do Paraná (Araucaria angustifolia, Bert, O. Ktze) was easily extracted and represents 21.87% of total weight. The low content of protein, fat and ash accounts for the efficiency of the extraction and purification. Pinhão starch shows an amylose level and strong anionic characteristic similar to corn starch. The round-shaped granules are smaller than those of cassava and similarly resistent to DMSO solubilization, what suggests a very homogenous granular structure.     

Heat–Moisture Treatment on Pinhão Starch Impacts the Properties of the Biodegradable Films

Using non-conventional starch can benefit the industry since it can present different properties. It also can lead to new properties upon physical modification, which improves its derivate film properties. Therefore, the aim of this work is to evaluate the heat–moisture treatment (HMT) on pinhão starch and its effectiveness in film properties. After isolation using water as a solvent, the pinhão starch is treated by HMT for 16 h at 110 °C. Native and HMTed starches are used to produce biodegradable films. Pinhão starch and starch films chemical and physical properties are properly characterized. The HMT causes some changes in short-range ordered structures, reduces the relative crystallinity, and shifts the pinhão starch from C-type to A-type. Also, HMT decreases the peak viscosity and the breakdown, and improves thermal stability. These starch changes upon HMT reduces water vapor permeability, increases tensile strength, and elongation at the break of pinhão starch films. Desirable changes in starch and film properties are achieved by physically modifying pinhão starch using HMT, which is a promising alternative to chemical modifications.     

Thermodynamic properties of moisture desorption of raw pinhão (Araucaria angustifolia seeds)

The seeds of Araucaria angustifolia, named pinhão, are consumed in the south and southeast of Brazil. They are big in size and have high nutritious value. The literature about technological aspects of pinhão is very scarce and there are no reports about moisture sorption models. In this work, moisture desorption isotherms of raw pinhão were determined at 15, 25, 30 and 40 °C. Results show that temperature has little effect on the sorption behaviour and the Chirife model was found to best represent the experimental data. The isosteric heat of sorption (differential enthalpy) was calculated through direct use of moisture desorption isotherm by applying the Clausius‐Clapeyron equation. The differential enthalpy of desorption decreased with increasing moisture content. The enthalpy–entropy compensation theory was applied to desorption isotherms and plots of differential enthalpy vs. differential entropy for pinhão provided the isokinetic temperature, indicating an enthalpy‐controlled desorption process.     

Nutritional evaluation of Araucaria angustifolia seed flour as a protein complement for growing rats

BACKGROUND: The seeds of Araucaria angustifolia, namely pinhão, are consumed in south and southeast Brazil as flour or baked. There is relatively little information about the chemical composition and nutritional value of the seed and its flour. RESULTS: Pinhão flour was obtained by drying at constant temperature of 50 °C (PF50) or 80 °C (PF80) in a circulating air drier for 16 h, and evaluated as a feed additive for growing rats. Wistar rats were fed five experimental diets (n = 6 rats per diet) containing different protein sources: casein (diet CAS), casein supplemented with 20% (w/w) flour PF50 or PF80 (diets PF50 and PF80), casein supplemented with 20% pinhão without heat treatment (diet NPF), and a non‐protein group (diet APROT). Values for weight gain, feed ingest, protein efficiency ratio (PER) and net protein ratio (NPR) were similar for diets CAS and PF80. Lowest values for all nutritional parameters were observed for diets complemented with pinhão flour. Trypsin inhibitor activity was detected in PF50 but not in PF80. CONCLUSION: Pinhão flour heated at 80 °C for 16 h and used as supplementary in diet had the most similar results in all nutritional parameters to casein‐based diets, and can be used as a complementary source, substituting up to 20% of a high biological value protein in food formulations. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Influence of Extrusion Cooking on In Vitro Digestibility,Physical and Sensory Properties of Brazilian Pine Seeds Flour (Araucaria Angustifolia)

Brazilian pine seeds (pinhão) are gluten‐free products derived from Araucaria angustifolia. The commercialization of these seeds is essentially associated with a low level of industrialization. In this context, extrusion cooking is a potential alternative for preparing extrudates of pinhão as a food product, which can be easily digested and is ready for human consumption. Brazilian pine seeds flour was processed in a single‐screw extruder following a central composite rotatable design. Three factors (independent parameters) were considered: moisture content (14 to 22 g/100 g), screw speed (100 to 250 rpm), and temperature in the 3rd heating zone (120 to 200 °C). The structural characteristics, in vitro digestibility and sensory acceptance were also evaluated. The resistant starch contents is almost reduced to zero after extrusion cooking while the slowly digestible starch content is increased. An increase in moisture positively affected the hardness and the luminosity (L^*), although it negatively affected the volumetric expansion index, crispness, and color parameters (a^*, b^*, and ΔE). The experimental conditions of this study allowed the production of expanded extrudates from Brazilian pine seeds with good expansion, texture properties, and acceptance qualities. Thus, extrusion cooking was found to be a potential method for the industrialization of Brazilian pine seeds as a food product.     

The Starch of the Fababean (Vicia faba). Comparison with Wheat and Corn Starch

Fababean starch (Vicia faba) was prepared by air-classifying a fababean flour, but then required repeated water extractions to reduce the protein content to a level comparable to that found in laboratory-prepared corn- and wheat starches. Scanning electron microscopy of the fababean starch showed oval or irregularly shaped granules which were larger in average particle size than those of corn starch. Fababean starch had a higher amylose content, gelatinization temperature range and water-binding capacity, but a lower swelling power and solubility at 90 °C compared to wheat- and corn starch. Amylograph viscosities were in-between values recorded for the other 2 starches at each reference point. The observed differences in physico-chemical characteristics between the cereal starches and the legume starch were not large.     

Isolation and Partial Characterization of Okenia (Okenia hypogaea) Starch

Okenia hypogaea (Schlech. & Cham.) belongs to the family of the Nyctaginacea, which produces a seed that is composed mainly of starch, the probable origin of Okenia hypogaea is Mexico. The aim of this work was to isolate the starch from Okenia hypogaea and to evaluate its chemical composition, along with some physicochemical and functional properties. Okenia gave a starch yield of 36 %; this starch had an amylose content of 26.1 %, with a fat content similar to corn starch, but with a higher ash fraction. Okenia starch possessed a small granule size (1—3 μm), the same as amaranth starch, with similar characteristics of stability and clarity of pastes as corn starch. At 60 °C the water retention capacity of okenia starch was higher than that of corn starch, but at higher temperatures an inverse pattern was found. When the temperature in the experiments increased, solubility and swelling values increased; okenia starch had higher swelling values than corn starch over the range of temperatures assayed. Okenia starch also presented a lower freeze‐thaw stability than corn starch on the first two cycles. Overall, it was concluded that due to its physicochemical and functional properties, it is worthwhile to test the use of okenia starch in the cosmetic and food industry.     

Alkali Extraction of Starch from Corn Flour

The alkali steeping process was tested for extraction of starch from degerminated yellow corn flour. The effect of three process parameters, alkali concentration (0.1 and 0.4%), steep temperature (25 and 55°C) and steep time (30 and 90min) were evaluated for their effect on yield, protein and sodium contents of starch. Two-level full factorial design was used to investigate the process. The experimental results indicated that starch yield increased with increasing steep temperature and at low alkali concentration. All main effects and interactions were found to have significant effect on protein content in the extracted starch. The sodium content of the starch was effected by the three main effects and the three two-factor interaction effects. Conditions were identified that simultaneously produced a high starch yield, low protein and sodium contents were 0.1% alkali steep at 55°C for 30 min.     

Effect of Starch Sources and Protein Content on Extruded Aquaculture Feed Containing DDGS

A 3 × 3 × 3 completely randomized design was used to investigate extrusion cooking behavior and product characteristics of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), protein levels, and various starch sources in a laboratory scale single screw extruder. Cassava, corn, and potato starches with varying levels of DDGS (20%, 30%, and 40% wet basis (wb)) were extruded with three different proportions of protein levels (28%, 30%, and 32% wb). The extrusion cooking was performed at a constant feed moisture content of 20% wb, barrel temperature of 120 °C, and a preset screw speed of 130 rpm (13.6 rad/s). Extrudate properties such as expansion ratio, unit density, sinking velocity, color, water absorption and solubility indices, and pellet durability index were determined to judge the suitability for various fish species. For all three starch bases, increasing the DDGS levels resulted in a significant increase in sinking velocity, redness (a*), and blueness (b*) and showed a decrease in whiteness (L*). With the increase in DDGS and protein levels, a noticeable increase was observed for unit density and pellet durability indices for cassava and potato starch extrudates. The DDGS-based extrudates produced from cassava starch with lower proportions of DDGS (20%) and protein (28%) levels exhibited better expansion and floatability. Also, the extrudates produced from corn starch with higher levels of DDGS (40%) and protein (32%) levels were more durable and possessed sinking characteristics. Overall, cassava and corn starch with lower and higher levels of DDGS could be more appropriate for the production of floating and sinking aquaculture feeds, respectively.     

A Simplified Isolation of High‐Amylose Maize Starch Using Neutral Proteases

Breeding projects aimed at increasing starch amylose would benefit by having a rapid starch extraction method requiring only non‐hazardous reagents and leaving the native granule intact for functional analyses. A study was, therefore, designed to investigate the use of a neutral protease for the removal of protein during the starch extraction process from the grain of high‐amylose corn. Sets of F2 ears presumed to be homozygous for the recessive amylose‐extender (ae) allele and segregating high amylose modifier gene(s) were used in the study and ranged in amylose content from 55% to around 70%, although several non‐mutant genotypes (˜25%) occurred because of visual misclassification of the ae kernels. Starches from samples were all initially extracted by grinding and filtering, then further treated in three ways including either 1) no protein removal, 2) toluene and saline washes or 3) use of neutral proteases. In general, amylose values corresponded among samples extracted using the three methods. Samples purified using proteases had higher mean amylose values (62.5%) attributed to the lower presence of contaminating protein compared to samples prepared with toluene (61%) and grinding/filtration only (57.5%). Little change occurred among the starches as a result of the protease treatments according to thermal properties obtained using differential scanning calorimetry. In addition, gel permeation chromatography profiles (GPC) were unaffected by this treatment. A low level of amylase activity from the protease was found which degraded less than 1% of the starch sample. The results demonstrated that this protease method gave an increased yield of starch with a quality similar to that of starch prepared with toluene.     

Formation of Resistant Starch in Corn Starch and Estimation of its Content from Physicochemical Properties

The effect of autoclaving temperatures (100‐120°C) on yields of enzyme‐resistant starch (RS) from normal corn starch and the physicochemical properties of autoclaved‐cooled starches were studied. The RS content increased linearly with increasing autoclaving temperature (R² = 0.993) and the number of autoclaving‐cooling cycles at an autoclaving temperature of 120°C. The effect of the number of autoclaving‐cooling cycles was more pronounced than that of temperature. The swollen starch weight measured at 60°C slightly increased as the RS content increased, and then drastically decreased with the continous increase of the RS content (R² = ‐0.969). As the RS content increased, all parameters of Rapid Visco Analyser (RVA) viscosity except breakdown decreased. Log RVA peak viscosity showed a negative correlation with the RS content (R² = ‐0.986). The enthalpy in the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) endotherm corresponding to the transitions of RS linearly increased as the RS content increased (R² = 0.988). The RS content of the heat‐treated starch estimated from the relationship between RS content and swollen starch weight at 60°C, log RVA peak viscosity or DSC enthalpy was in good agreement with that determined with the standard method.     

The Effect of Protein and Fiber on the Kinetics of Starch Gelatinization and Melting in Waxy Corn Flour

The in situ presence of corn proteins and fibers along with starch in waxy corn flour affect the DSC scan of starch only slightly. The kinetic behaviors of cooking waxy corn flour with limited water contents (25% and 35%, w/w) are very similar to that of cooking waxy cornstarch. There are increases in reaction rate constants for samples with 25% water content when corn flour data are compared to that of corn starch. For samples with 35% water, the rate constants are very close for flour and starch. Cooking of corn flour requires a lower activation energy than cooking of cornstarch.     

Physical Properties of Starch from Two Genotypes of Amaranthus cruentus of Agricultural Significance in China

Starches were isolated from the two genotypes of Amaranthus cruentus most widely cultivated in China, R104 and K112. These starches, plus a corn starch standard were mixed with either distilled water or a 1% NaCl solution and characterized for gelatinization parameters by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), pasting properties using a Rapid Visco-Analyzer (RVA), and texture of the cooled gels. Significant findings were: 1. A. cruentus starches had higher gelatinization temperature and higher endothermic energy than corn starch; 2. Wide differences in pasting properties were found between the two A. cruentus genotypes, although the waxy line R104 had lower hot-paste viscosity and set-back than K112; 3. The pasting properties (peak viscosity and set-back), of K112 were similar to those of corn starch. 4. In 1% NaCl solution, compared to distilled water, corn starch set-back decreased while that of the A. cruentus starches increased. Where Amaranthus starch is to be used in food processing applications, careful selection of genotype is necessary to achieve desired functionality.     

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.     

Preparation of a Novel Thermoplastic Starch (TPS) Material using Ethylenebisformamide as the Plasticizer

In this paper, ethylenebisformamide was synthesized and used as a novel plasticizer for corn starch to prepare thermoplastic starch (EPTPS). FT‐IR spectra showed that the absorption bands of the C‐O groups of the starch molecules were shifted to lower wavenumbers, which indicated that a strong and stable hydrogen bond had been formed between ethylenebisformamide and starch. By scanning electron microscope (SEM) native individual corn starch granules were proved to transfer to a continuous phase. The crystallinity of native corn starch, GPTPS (glycerol plasticized corn starch) and EPTPS was characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Water resistance of EPTPS was better than that of GPTPS. It decreased from 50.2% for GPTPS to 37.8% for EPTPS. The mechanical analysis showed that elongation at break increased markedly, being 260% for the EPTPS containing 35% (w/w) ethylenebisformamide. Thermal stability of GPTPSs and EPTPSs was also determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The glass transition temperature T_g, as measured by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), of EPTPS was higher than that of GPTPS.     

Properties of Cast Films Made of HCl‐Methanol Modified Corn Starch

The molecular and physicochemical properties of the studied starches modified with 0.36% HCl in methanol at 25 °C and 45 °C were related to the film properties of these starches. The weight‐averaged molecular weight (M_w) and the number of long‐chain branches (DP 13‐36) of HCl‐methanol modified starch decreased with increasing degree of acid modification, but the number of short‐chain branches (DP < 6) increased. HCl‐methanol modification significantly decreased the ghost formation in gelatinized starch dispersions and the viscosity of starch film‐forming dispersions. Thus, the homogeneity of the produced starch films was improved and their opacity reduced. Proper HCl‐methanol modification produced corn starch films with lower moisture absorption rate and maximum moisture content under high relative humidity (RH = 97%) condition.     

The Effect of Heating at Subgelatinization Temperatures on Enzymatic Digestibility of Corn Starch

The effect of heating at 50 and 55 °C on enzymatic digestibility of corn starch was investigated using flours from two corn hybrids (Furio and CMS 8806) prepared by dry‐ and wet‐milling processes. Results obtained show that the enzyme‐digestible starch percentage, in all cases, increases with heating time due to changes in the internal structure of the starch granules. The flours from dry milling have an enzymedigestible starch percentage higher than that observed in wet milled flours with high moisture content.