Modified starch, also known as denatured starch, is a type of starch that has been processed through physical, chemical, or enzymatic methods to change its natural properties and introduce new characteristics, making it more suitable for specific applications
The Process of Modification
- Physical Modification: This method includes processes like heat - moisture treatment and irradiation. For example, heat - moisture treatment can improve the thermal stability and gelatinization properties of starch.
- Chemical Modification: It involves the reaction of starch with chemical reagents to introduce new functional groups. Common chemical modifications include esterification, etherification, oxidation, and cross - linking. For instance, esterified starch has better emulsifying properties, and cross - linked starch shows enhanced resistance to high temperatures, acids, and shear forces
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- Enzymatic Modification: Enzymes are used to hydrolyze or modify the starch molecule. This can produce starches with different molecular weights and functional properties, such as the production of resistant starch through enzymatic treatment.
Types of Modified Starches
- Oxidized Starch: It is obtained by oxidizing starch with oxidizing agents. Oxidized starch has lower viscosity and better film - forming properties, which are suitable for applications in the paper and textile industries
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- Cross - linked Starch: Cross - linking agents are used to form chemical bonds between starch molecules, increasing its stability and resistance to various conditions. It is often used in the food industry to improve the texture and stability of products.
- Hydroxypropyl Starch: Produced by etherification of starch with propylene oxide, it has good water - solubility and freeze - thaw stability, and is widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Applications of Modified Starches
- Food Industry: Modified starches are widely used in the food industry as thickeners, stabilizers, water - retaining agents, gelling agents, binders, anti - sticking agents, glazing agents, and puffing agents. They are used in the processing of canned foods, meat products, dairy products, candies, pastries, instant noodles, seasonings, cold foods, and beverages. For example, in ice cream, modified starch helps to improve the texture and prevent ice crystal formation
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- Textile Industry: In the textile industry, modified starches are mainly used as adhesives. They can improve the adhesion of fibers and enhance the strength and appearance of fabrics.
- Paper Industry: Modified starches are used in the paper industry to improve the strength, surface smoothness, and ink - absorbing properties of paper. They can also reduce the amount of water absorbed by paper, improving its dimensional stability.
- Other Industries: Modified starches also have applications in the pharmaceutical, petroleum drilling, building materials, and daily chemical industries. In the pharmaceutical industry, they can be used as excipients for tablets and capsules. In the petroleum drilling industry, modified starches are used as drilling fluid additives to improve the viscosity and stability of the drilling fluid
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Development Trends
The global modified starch market has been growing in recent years, driven by the increasing demand from various industries
. In the future, the development of modified starches will focus on the development of new functional modified starches and composite modified starches. At the same time, with the increasing emphasis on environmental protection, the development of green and sustainable modified starches will also be an important trend. For example, the development of modified starches from renewable resources and the use of environmentally friendly modification methods will receive more attention.
In conclusion, modified starch is an important starch - based product with a wide range of applications and development prospects. With the continuous progress of science and technology, the performance and application fields of modified starches will be further improved and expanded.