Physicochemical and structural characteristics of cross‐linked banana starch using three cross‐linking reagents

Banana starch was cross‐linked using different cross‐linking reagents, phosphoryl chloride (POCl 3 ), sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP), and epichlorohydrin (ECH), under alkaline conditions. The reaction conditions were selected to produce similar pasting profiles. The effects of the different cross‐linking reagents on the physicochemical and structural characteristics of cross‐linked starches were evaluated. The microscopy study did not show difference on the surface of the granules. Slight decrease in the peak temperature and enthalpy were found in the cross‐linked banana starch. The chemical groups introduced in the starch molecules by the diverse reagents promoted the re‐association of starch chains during storage. The rheological analysis of all starch dispersion at 10% (flow curves) showed a non‐Newtonian shear‐thinning; pastes obtained were time‐independent, suggesting an important contribution of the continuous phase. Structural study showed that the cross‐linked STMP‐starch had the lowest level of amylose and the ratio short/long amylopectin chains. The three reagents used for cross‐linking presented different action mode on starch granule and its components.