Processing, Physicochemical, Structural and Functional Properties of Starch-Based Materials and Their Derived Food Products

A special issue of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Foods".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 July 2024 | Viewed by 19738

Special Issue Editors

College of Food Engineering and Nutritional Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
Interests: legume starch; resistant starch; starch processing; starch structure-physiological functionality relationship

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Guest Editor
College of Food Engineering and Nutritional Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
Interests: cereal-based food processing; cereal starch; cereal protein; starch digestibility; macromolecular interaction

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Starch, the principal storage polysaccharide of most plant-originated foods, is present abundantly in a discrete and semi-crystalline granular pattern in legumes, potatoes, and cereals. Depending on the processing conditions, starch from different sources with diversified structural characteristics can be formed as a result of rearrangement in the intermolecular structure of starch granules. In contrast to the traditional purpose of processing, which is intended to increase the digestibility of food, the current tendency of food processing has been gradually switched to design palatable foods with a reduced glycemic index and improved functional properties. The physical modification to starch during the processing of starch-based materials also overcomes a number of shortcomings of native starch which has limited its industrial application, such as its low heating stability/poor thermal property, low resistance to acid and shear stress, and high tendency toward syneresis and retrogradation. A deep understanding of the corresponding physicochemical and functional properties as affected by isolation and different processing conditions is of great importance for starch scientific research and also for future studies on the structure–physicochemical/function relationship of starch from different botanical origins. This Special Issue aims to provide an overview of the current and projected outcomes in the physicochemical, structural and functional properties of starch from legumes, potatoes, and cereals, as well as changes in the above properties during the processing of starch-based materials and their derived food products. Researchers are invited to submit their up-to-date original research articles, review works, and short communications to this Foods Special Issue: “Processing, Physicochemical, Structural and Functional Properties of Starch-Based Materials and Their Derived Food Products”.

Dr. Zhen Ma
Dr. Xiaolong Wang
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • starch
  • slow digestible starch
  • resistant starch
  • starch-derived food products
  • processing
  • structure
  • physicochemical properties
  • functional properties
  • fermentation characteristics
  • starch structure–functionality relationship

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 3316 KiB  
Article
Impact of the Temperature Reconditioning of Cold-Stored Potatoes on the Color of Potato Chips and French Fries
by Evelyne Nkirote Gikundi, Ariel Buzera, Irene Orina and Daniel Sila
Foods 2024, 13(5), 652; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13050652 - 21 Feb 2024
Viewed by 859
Abstract
The effect of temperature reconditioning on cold-stored potato tubers was investigated for three popularly consumed potato varieties (Shangi, Unica, and Dutch robjin) grown in Kenya. The potatoes were stored at 4 °C for 30 days, followed by removal and storage at 22 ± [...] Read more.
The effect of temperature reconditioning on cold-stored potato tubers was investigated for three popularly consumed potato varieties (Shangi, Unica, and Dutch robjin) grown in Kenya. The potatoes were stored at 4 °C for 30 days, followed by removal and storage at 22 ± 3 °C for 9 days during which changes in sugar concentration were evaluated every two days. In parallel, potato chips and French fries were processed, and their colors were determined. The results showed that sugar content decreased significantly with increasing reconditioning time. The relative decrease in fructose content was the highest (p < 0.05) in Dutch robjin (57.49%), followed by Shangi (49.22%) and Unica (38.18%). Glucose content decreased by 54.1% in Dutch robjin, 49.5% in Shangi, and 50.8% in Unica. The lightness (L*) of French fries and chips increased significantly (p < 0.05) with reconditioning time while the redness (a*) values decreased significantly (p < 0.05) across all varieties. The correlation between lightness and the total reducing sugar content of the potatoes was r < −0.93, indicating a strong negative correlation for both products. The coefficient of determination showed that the glucose content of the tubers accounted for 80.5–97.6% of the lightness of French fries and 88.4–94.2% for potato chips. The critical glucose content range for acceptable products in French fries and chips based on the color (L* and a*) values was 12–22 mg/100g and 8–14 mg/100g, respectively, for the varieties in this study. Full article
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18 pages, 4690 KiB  
Article
Multi-Scale Structural Insights into Enzymatically Hydrolyzed Lentil Starch Concentrates Prepared by In Vitro Method Using Different Types of Enzymes
by Namei Ren, Xinzhong Hu and Zhen Ma
Foods 2023, 12(11), 2150; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12112150 - 26 May 2023
Viewed by 989
Abstract
This study was undertaken to investigate the enzymatic hydrolysis of lentil starch concentrates from conventional cooked seeds (CCLSC) by the action of different types of enzymes, including pancreatin (PC-EHSC), heat-stable α-amylase (HS-EHSC), β-amylase (βA-EHSC), amyloglucosidase (AMG-EHSC), and multi-enzymes (βA-HS-AMG-EHSC); their multi-scale structural characteristics [...] Read more.
This study was undertaken to investigate the enzymatic hydrolysis of lentil starch concentrates from conventional cooked seeds (CCLSC) by the action of different types of enzymes, including pancreatin (PC-EHSC), heat-stable α-amylase (HS-EHSC), β-amylase (βA-EHSC), amyloglucosidase (AMG-EHSC), and multi-enzymes (βA-HS-AMG-EHSC); their multi-scale structural characteristics of the enzymatic hydrolysis products of lentil starch concentrates were compared. The morphological features distinguished among different samples. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and solid-state 13C CP/MAS NMR spectral features indicated the possible formation of a binary and ternary complex among amylose, protein and lipids. The X-ray diffraction results revealed that the V-type characteristic diffraction peaks were more obvious for samples including PC-EHSC and βA-EHSC, which was in line with their lowest polydispersity index (DPn). PC-EHSC and βA-EHSC also showed an increased peak intensity of the scattering maximum on the small-angle X-ray scattering spectra, whereas CCLSC exhibited an overall lower peak intensity within the studied q range of scattering. The highest XRD crystallinity and the lowest DPn value obtained for PC-EHSC indicated that the starch polymers modified by pancreatin could produce glucan chains with a comparatively homogenous Mw distribution that are readily recrystallized by hydrogen bonding through chain aggregation. Comparatively, the lowest relative crystallinity for HS-EHSC obtained from XRD suggested that thermostable α-amylolysis was unfavorable for the formation of starch structure with a higher degree of molecular order. This study could provide useful information for the needed research to obtain a deeper understanding of the impact of different amylolysis actions on the structural organization of starch hydrolysates and to provide a theoretical foundation for the development of fermentable enzymatically hydrolyzed starch with well-tailored physiological properties. Full article
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16 pages, 9337 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Starch Structure and Pasting Characteristics of Millet Thick Wine during Fermentation
by Lixia Wang, Huanyu Ming, Qi Chen, Huayin Pu, Xiaoping Li, Peng Wang, Lihui Zhu, Jing Yan and Haoran Liu
Foods 2023, 12(9), 1840; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12091840 - 28 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1785
Abstract
Starch is the main substrate in millet thick wine (MTW). In order to control the fermentation process of MTW, it is critical to monitor changes in the starch structure and physicochemical characteristics during the fermentation of MTW. In the present study, the structural [...] Read more.
Starch is the main substrate in millet thick wine (MTW). In order to control the fermentation process of MTW, it is critical to monitor changes in the starch structure and physicochemical characteristics during the fermentation of MTW. In the present study, the structural characteristics of MTW starch were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and rapid viscosity analysis (RVA). The results of SEM and CLSM showed that large starch granules in MTW swelled, developed cavities, and ruptured or even vanished with the prolongation of the fermentation time, whereas the size and shape of small starch granules barely changed, only falling off the pomegranate-seed-like aggregates. With the increase in fermentation time, the relative crystallinity of starch in MTW gradually increased. In addition, the short-range ordered structures underwent complex changes. Changes in the starch morphology and ordered structure led to an increase in the peak viscosity time and the initial gelatinization temperature. The present results reveal the beneficial effect of fermentation on MTW processing and suggest its potential applications in other millet-based fermented products. Full article
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12 pages, 2175 KiB  
Article
Physical–Chemical and Sensory Quality of Oat Milk Produced Using Different Cultivars
by Sumei Zhou, Qiuju Jia, Lulu Cui, Ying Dai, Ruoning Li, Jian Tang and Jing Lu
Foods 2023, 12(6), 1165; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12061165 - 9 Mar 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 6413
Abstract
Oat milk, as an emerging plant-based milk substitute, has become popular in recent years. However, the stability and flavor of oat milk products are hindering their quality. The examination of the processing capacities of potential oat cultivars could help to improve product quality. [...] Read more.
Oat milk, as an emerging plant-based milk substitute, has become popular in recent years. However, the stability and flavor of oat milk products are hindering their quality. The examination of the processing capacities of potential oat cultivars could help to improve product quality. In the present study, the properties of oat milk produced from one Australian and three Chinese cultivars were compared. The stability of oat milk produced using our manufacturing process was superior to the commercial product and was highly influenced by cultivars. Positive correlations of the cultivar’s protein and plant cell debris content with the final products’ separation rate, and the cultivar’s lipid content with the final products’ creaming, were observed. Among the investigated cultivars, Chinese Bayou 01 (ZBY01) was the most suitable for oat milk processing. Oat milk produced with this cultivar has better stability and sensory acceptability. It can provide around 1% of protein, 9.84 mg/mL of β-glucan, and 70.96 mg GAE/100 g DW of polyphenols. Our results support one Chinese cultivar for oat milk processing and provide possible criteria for raw material selection. Full article
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17 pages, 3387 KiB  
Article
Effect of Calcium Hydroxide on Physicochemical and In Vitro Digestibility Properties of Tartary Buckwheat Starch-Rutin Complex Prepared by Pre-Gelatinization and Co-Gelatinization Methods
by Xinxin Ding, Xiaoping Li, Qiling Cai, Zhen Ma, Tian Ren and Xinzhong Hu
Foods 2023, 12(5), 951; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12050951 - 23 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1224
Abstract
This study examined the effect of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2, 0.6%, w/w) on structural, physicochemical and in vitro digestibility properties of the complexed system of Tartary buckwheat starch (TBS) and rutin (10%, w/w). The pre-gelatinization and [...] Read more.
This study examined the effect of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2, 0.6%, w/w) on structural, physicochemical and in vitro digestibility properties of the complexed system of Tartary buckwheat starch (TBS) and rutin (10%, w/w). The pre-gelatinization and co-gelatinization methods were also compared. SEM results showed that the presence of Ca(OH)2 promoted the connection and further strengthened the pore wall of the three-dimensional network structure of the gelatinized and retrograded TBS-rutin complex, indicating the complex possessed a more stable structure with the presence of Ca(OH)2, which were also confirmed by the results of textural analysis and TGA. Additionally, Ca(OH)2 reduced relative crystallinity (RC), degree of order (DO) and enthalpy, inhibiting their increase during storage, thereby retarding the regeneration of the TBS-rutin complex. A higher storage modulus (G′) value was observed in the complexes when Ca(OH)2 was added. Results of in vitro digestion revealed that Ca(OH)2 retarded the hydrolysis of the complex, resulting in an increase in values in slow-digestible starch and resistant starch (RS). Compared with pre-gelatinization, the complex process prepared with the co-gelatinization method presented lower RC, DO, enthalpy, and higher RS. The present work indicates the potential beneficial effect of Ca(OH)2 during the preparation of starch-polyphenol complex and would be helpful to reveal the mechanism of Ca(OH)2 on improving the quality of rutin riched Tartary buckwheat products. Full article
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13 pages, 2547 KiB  
Article
Impact of Baking Powder and Leavening Acids on Batter and Pound Cake Properties
by Eugenia Ayebea Asamoah, Alain Le-Bail, Anthony Oge, Delphine Queveau, Olivier Rouaud and Patricia Le-Bail
Foods 2023, 12(5), 946; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12050946 - 23 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3937
Abstract
In most soft wheat products such as cakes, baking powder (BP) plays an important role in achieving the desired product volume through batter aeration by the release of CO2 during baking. However, the optimization of a blend of constituents in BP is [...] Read more.
In most soft wheat products such as cakes, baking powder (BP) plays an important role in achieving the desired product volume through batter aeration by the release of CO2 during baking. However, the optimization of a blend of constituents in BP is minimally documented, especially the selection of acids, which is often supported by the suppliers based on their experience. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of two sodium acid pyrophosphate leavening acids (SAPP10 and SAPP40) at different levels in BP on final pound cake properties. A central composite design of the response surface methodology (RSM) was used to design the blend ratio of SAPP with different amounts of BP to investigate some selected cake parameters such as specific volume and conformation. Results showed that increasing the BP level significantly increased the batter specific volume and porosity but dropped as BP approached maximum (4.52%). The batter pH was influenced by SAPP type; SAPP40 presented a relatively sufficient neutralization of the leaving system as compared to SAPP10. Furthermore, lower BP levels resulted in cakes with large air cells, which presented a non-homogeneous crumb grain. This study therefore highlights the need to identify the optimum amount of BP to attain the desired product qualities. Full article
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15 pages, 1114 KiB  
Article
Enrichment of Wholemeal Rye Bread with Plant Sterols: Rheological Analysis, Optimization of the Production, Nutritional Profile and Starch Digestibility
by Mussa Makran, Antonio Cilla, Claudia Monika Haros and Guadalupe Garcia-Llatas
Foods 2023, 12(1), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12010093 - 24 Dec 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1703
Abstract
Bread is one of the staple foods of many countries, and its enrichment with bioactive compounds is trending. This phenomenon is focused on breads with a good nutritional profile, such as wholemeal rye bread (WRB), in which enrichment with plant sterols (PSs) is [...] Read more.
Bread is one of the staple foods of many countries, and its enrichment with bioactive compounds is trending. This phenomenon is focused on breads with a good nutritional profile, such as wholemeal rye bread (WRB), in which enrichment with plant sterols (PSs) is allowed in accordance with European regulations. The objective of the present study was to optimize the production of a WRB enriched with PS (PS-WRB) and to evaluate the proximate composition and starch digestibility as an indicator of nutritional quality. The rheological analysis showed that the bread dough presents satisfactory farinographic properties (dough development time 6 min; stability 4 min; degree of softening 100 Brabender units) but high water absorption (67%). The PS-WRB is high in dietary fiber and low in protein (20.4 and 7.7% w/w, dry basis, respectively) compared with other cereals reported in the scientific literature. In turn, a low starch proportion was hydrolyzed during the simulated digestion (59.9% of total starch), being also slowly hydrolyzed, as deduced from the rapidly digestible starch value (56.5% of total starch). In conclusion, WRB is a suitable matrix for PS enrichment, which allows for obtaining a product with a good nutritional profile and potential health benefits. Full article
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13 pages, 2672 KiB  
Article
Monitoring the Changes in Heat Transfer and Water Evaporation of French Fries during Frying to Analyze Its Oil Uptake and Quality
by Ying Li, Qi Guo, Kaili Wang, Maheshati Nverjiang, Kairong Wu, Xu Wang and Xiufang Xia
Foods 2022, 11(21), 3473; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11213473 - 1 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2151
Abstract
The effect of frying temperature on heat transfer, water loss kinetic, oil uptake kinetic, and quality of French fries was evaluated. With increasing frying temperature, the core temperature of fries increased, and the Biot number and heat transfer coefficient (h) first decreased and [...] Read more.
The effect of frying temperature on heat transfer, water loss kinetic, oil uptake kinetic, and quality of French fries was evaluated. With increasing frying temperature, the core temperature of fries increased, and the Biot number and heat transfer coefficient (h) first decreased and then increased significantly (p < 0.05). The water loss rate (kw) and water effective diffusion of fries increased with the increasing frying temperature. The kw of fries fried at 150–190 °C were 0.2391, 0.2414, 0.3205, 0.3998, and 0.3931, respectively. The oil uptake rate (ko) first increased and then decreased with increasing frying temperature, and the ko of samples fried at 150–190 °C were 0.2691, 0.2564, 0.4764, 0.3387, and 0.2522, respectively. There were significant differences in the a*, L*, ΔE, and BI between fries with different temperatures (p < 0.05), while there was no significant difference in the b* (p > 0.05). The hardness and crispness of fries increased with increased frying temperature. The highest overall acceptability scores of fries were fried at 170 °C. Therefore, the changes in color, texture overall acceptability, and oil content were due to the Maillard reaction and the formation of porous structure, which was induced by h and water evaporation of fries when they changed. Full article
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