Impact of Low‐Pressure Argon Plasma on Structural, Thermal, and Rheological Properties of <i>Corypha umbraculifera L</i>. Starch: A Non‐Conventional Source of Stem Pith Starch
Muhammed Navaf, Kappat Valiyapeediyekkal Sunooj, Basheer Aaliya, Plachikkattu Parambil Akhila, Cherakkathodi Sudheesh, Suraj Kumar Sinha, Perumal Murugesan, Sarasan Sabu, Abhilash Sasidharan, Shabir Ahmad Mir, Johnsy George, Maximilian Lackner
Abstract
Abstract The impact of low‐pressure argon plasma on structural, pasting, rheological, and thermal characteristics of starch from talipot palm ( Corypha umbraculifera L.) is analyzed. Talipot palm is a non‐conventional source of starch. The starch is subjected to a different plasma power with different time duration. Exposure of talipot starch to plasma with different power (7.5 and 15 W) and time (30 min and 1 h) significantly affects the physicochemical and functional properties. SEM micrographs show that the plasma treatment causes severe damage to the granule surface. The pasting profile of talipot starch is considerably decreased by plasma treatment. The relative crystallinity and thermal properties are also decreased by plasma treatment. Plasma‐treated talipot starches exhibit a decreased storage and loss modulus indicating weak gel formation. However, the treatment considerably increases the paste clarity of the starch gel.