Properties of Starch Subjected to Partial Gelatinization and β-Amylolysis

The overall objective of this research is to understand the impact of partial gelatinization and β-amylase hydrolysis (β-amylolysis) on the physicochemical properties of starch. Three starches (normal corn, waxy corn, and wheat) were chosen as test examples and thermally treated at 40% moisture content to up to 95 °C and then subjected to β-amylolysis. The enzyme treatment resulted in over 10% maltose yield. Subsequent debranching analysis showed the production of chain stubs as short as having the degree of polymerization of 2 and 3, suggesting a thorough β-amylolysis at certain branch locations. For starch samples subjected to partial gelatinization, polarized light microscopy shows reduced intensity of birefringence and differential scanning calorimetry shows reduced enthalpy change associated with gelatinization. Both indicate the reduced chain organization due to the treatment. Further, a substantial transformation of initial A-type crystalline structure to B- and V-types upon treatments is noticed f...