Starches from different botanical sources II: Contribution of starch structure to swelling and pasting properties

Abstract

Swelling and pasting properties of 15 starches from different plant origins were studied to elucidate their relationship with structural features using simple and multiple regression analyses. Avoidance of additional effects of starch minor components showed that swelling power and pasting parameters were associated with the ratio of the relative molar distribution of amylopectin branch-chains with a degree of polymerization (DP) of 6–12 to that of chains with DP 6–24 (amylopectin unit-chain (APC) ratio). Swelling power of starch granules increased with APC ratio. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the peak viscosity (PkV) of starch paste increased with low APC ratio, low amylose content (AC) and large average granule size (AGS). At a high starch concentration, pasting temperature (PT) was reduced by a high APC ratio and large AGS. Peak time (PkT) decreased with increasing APC ratio and AC. Percentage of breakdown viscosity (BD%) and setback viscosity (SB) were primarily affected by APC ratio. At a low concentration, AC and AGS had more profound effects on BD%. SB was also reduced by higher AC. Models of pasting profile, which is influenced by individual factors, were also proposed. Keywords: Starch; Swelling; Pasting; Amylopectin; Amylose; Granule size