Enhancing starch functionality through synergistic modification via sequential treatments with cold plasma and...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Food Science
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Starch modification is crucial for diverse industrial applications.
• Radio-frequency (RF) plasma and electron beam irradiation (EBI) are known physical modification techniques.
• Investigating synergistic effects of sequential treatments can optimize starch properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the synergistic impact of sequential RF plasma and EBI on starch properties.
• To compare dual treatments with single treatments across varying irradiation doses (5-20 kGy).
• To determine the optimal sequence and dose for synergistic modification.

Main Methods:

• Sequential treatment of starch with RF plasma and EBI.
• Analysis of starch properties including acidity, solubility, paste clarity, rheology, and molecular weight distribution.
• Determination of radiation-chemical yield (G) and degradation rate constant (k).
• Characterization of spectral properties, crystal structure, granule morphology, and surface topography.

Main Results:

• Dual treatments synergistically increased starch acidity, solubility, and paste clarity, while decreasing rheological properties.
• Amylopectin distribution broadened, and amylose distribution narrowed, with EBI-induced degradation and RF plasma-induced rearrangements.
• Synergistic effects were dose-dependent, most significant up to 10 kGy, with RF plasma pre-treatment showing superior efficiency.
• Minor changes in spectral characteristics and crystal structure, but increased granule aggregation and surface irregularities were observed.

Conclusions:

• Sequential RF plasma and EBI treatments offer synergistic benefits for starch modification.
• Plasma pre-treatment followed by EBI is a highly effective combination for enhancing starch properties.
• This synergistic approach can reduce irradiation doses, lower costs, and broaden the technological applications of starch.