Ultrastructural analysis of buckwheat starch components using atomic force microscopy

Morphological and structural features of buckwheat starch granules and nanocrystals were examined using atomic force microscopy and dynamic light scattering. Partially digested starch granules revealed a clear pattern of growth rings with the central core revealing lamellar structure. Atomic force microscopy and dynamic light scattering experiments revealed that the buckwheat starch granules were polygonal in shape and were in the range of 2 to 19 μm in diameter. The optimized acid hydrolysis process produced nanocrystals with the shape of spherical structure with lengths ranging from 120 to 200 nm, and the diameter from 4 to 30 nm from aqueous suspensions of buckwheat starch solution. The sorption isotherms on buckwheat starch nanocrystal/glycerol composite exhibited a 3-stage transition of moisture in the blending. The biocompatible nature of buckwheat starch nanocrystals and their structural properties make them a promising green nanocomposite material.

Buckwheat starches had never been studied on a nanoscale, but we have achieved new understanding of starch granule morphology and concentric growth rings using nanoscale imaging. Since buckwheat is an underutilized crop, we foresee the potential application of buckwheat starch, starch-based nanocrystals, and nanoparticles, to expand markets and encourage producers to expand their buckwheat acreage. The atomic force image analysis suggests that buckwheat starch could be used as a new biopolymer material in food industries.