LAUSR

Starch modification has been extensively studied to alter its physicochemical properties based on human needs. Lowering the digestion rate of starch is one of the interests in food science research, since when it is nutritionally improved, it can reduce the risk of human chronic diseases. In this study, heat-moisture treatment (HMT) followed by inclusion complexation with stearic acid at various temperatures and times was applied to improve the functional properties of starch. Thermal analysis suggested the formation of type I and type II complexes after complexation at 90 °C, indicated by a endothermal peak at 107 and 122 °C, respectively, while native starch after complexation only resulted in type I complexes. The formation of crystalline complexes was also confirmed by XRD showing peaks at 2θ = 13.1° and 20.1°. Furthermore, the modified starch displayed a higher pasting temperature, considerably less swelling and significantly lower viscosity behavior. This implied that the starch granules were thermally and mechanically more stable. The granular appearance of the modified starch was confirmed with light microscopy that presented more intact granules and less ruptured granules, even after heating to 90 °C. This study offers a way to upgrade the nutritional properties of starch.