Modifications of starch by electric field based techniques

BackgroundNative starches have limited applications and are commonly modified for desired properties. There has been increasing demand for physically and non-chemically modified starches from the market as consumers prefer “natural and healthy” food products. Among various physical means, electric field based techniques have been gaining a research focus for starch modifications during the last few years. Another trend is to produce modified starches using cleaner process. Electric fields of certain conditions can facilitate the “cleaner production” of food and industrial ingredients.Scope and approachThis mini-review summarises the modifications of starches from different botanical sources by the electric field based techniques. The techniques are based on pulsed electric field, induced electric field, moderate electric field, and ohmic heating. Physicochemical properties, granular and molecular structures, applications of starch as affected by the electric field based modifications are reviewed. Structure-function relationships of starch as affected by the electric fields are discussed. Impact of electric fields on food systems rich in starch (e.g., flour) is also reviewed. Research gaps to better utilize these techniques for starch modifications are suggested.Key findings and conclusionsDifferent electric field based methods greatly modify the starch physicochemical properties to different extents. Factors affecting the outcomes of the modifications include the starch type and concentrations, electrical conductivity, and electric field type, strength, and duration. Starch modification processes such as hydrolysis and substitutions can be efficiently optimized by applying electric fields. The functionalities of food systems rich in starch can also be modified by these techniques. It becomes evident that electric field based techniques have potential to be used in starch modifications to create a range of functionalities and to help meet the ever-rising market of clean label ingredients.