Performance of dual modification order using plasma-activated water and ultrasound on the multiscale and...

Exploring alternative green methods to modify unconventional starches is advancing sustainability and food security. This study examined how the order of dual modification using plasma-activated water (PAW) and ultrasound (U) affects the multi-scale structure and techno-functional properties of mango starch. The sequence of treatments and combined effects of reactive species and cavitation altered the outer and inner layers of the granules, disrupting intermolecular water and debranching fine-structure glycosidic bonds within the starch molecules. Specifically, the combination and order of PAW and ultrasound reduced the short, medium-short, and medium-long (A, B1, B2) chains, promoting more long chains (B3) that formed double helix clusters well-structured as crystallites. Such behavior enhanced starch gel strength, solubility, swelling, and water retention, while preserving its digestible fractions. Thus, new insights into PAW/U-modified starches open avenues for investigating their effects on the texture, flavor, and nutritional quality of prepared foods such as sauces, soups, and gravies.