In the quest for sustainable and efficient materials, researchers are turning to unconventional sources, and a recent study led by Likhitha Yadav Prakruthi from the Department of Lifesciences at GITAM (Deemed to be University) in Visakhapatnam, India, has uncovered promising advancements in starch modification. The study, published in the journal Ultrasonics Sonochemistry (Ultrasonics Sonochemistry), explores the dual modification of starches derived from elephant foot yam, cassava, and sweet potato using ultrasonication and acetic acid treatment. This innovative approach could revolutionize various industries, including the energy sector, by enhancing starch properties for diverse applications.
Starch, a ubiquitous polysaccharide, is a staple in numerous industries due to its versatility and abundance. However, its properties often need enhancement to meet specific industrial requirements. Prakruthi and her team delved into the effects of ultrasonication and acetic acid treatments on non-conventional starches, aiming to improve their functional properties. The researchers subjected the starches to ultrasonication at 40°C for varying durations—3, 9, and 15 minutes—followed by acetylation. The results were striking.
“Our findings revealed that increased treatment time significantly affected the starches’ functional properties, morphology, and crystallinity,” Prakruthi explained. The study highlighted that the amylose content, a critical factor in starch properties, varied among the starches, with elephant foot yam starch showing the highest content at 22.85%. Following dual modification, a notable reduction in amylose content was observed, indicating a significant alteration in starch structure.
The morphological analysis unveiled granular aggregation, surface changes, and the formation of pores and cracks in the starch granules. X-ray diffraction patterns showed that sweet potato and elephant foot yam starches exhibited C-type patterns, while cassava starch displayed an A-type pattern. Despite these modifications, the crystalline structures of all starches remained largely unchanged, although relative crystallinity slightly decreased.
One of the most intriguing findings was the enhancement of oil absorption capacity and tap density in elephant foot yam starch, suggesting improved hydrophobicity. This property is particularly valuable in the energy sector, where materials with enhanced oil absorption capabilities can be crucial for applications such as biofuel production and oil spill remediation.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. The dual modification technique could pave the way for developing starch-based materials with tailored properties for various industrial applications, including confectionery, edible films, tablet binders, and encapsulation. In the energy sector, these enhanced starches could contribute to more efficient and sustainable processes, reducing reliance on non-renewable resources.
Prakruthi’s work underscores the potential of non-conventional starches and innovative modification techniques to address contemporary challenges in material science and industrial applications. As the demand for sustainable and efficient materials continues to grow, research like this will be instrumental in shaping future developments in the field. The study, published in Ultrasonics Sonochemistry, or ‘Ultrasonics Sonochemistry’ in English, marks a significant step forward in harnessing the power of unconventional starches for a greener future.